Final answer:
Fermentation is the biochemical process that converts sugars like glucose into ethanol and carbon dioxide, which constitutes the conversion of sucrose in sugarcane to ethanol—a renewable biofuel. The balanced chemical equation for glucose fermentation is C6H12O6 → 2 C2H5OH + 2 CO2.
Step-by-step explanation:
Fermentation of Sucrose into Ethanol and Carbon Dioxide
The conversion of sucrose in sugarcane into ethanol and carbon dioxide is a result of fermentation. This process involves the breakdown of carbohydrates such as sucrose into simpler molecules. Specifically, yeast cells, under anaerobic conditions (in the absence of oxygen), convert sugars such as glucose into ethanol (C2H5OH) and carbon dioxide (CO2).
Chemical Reaction for Fermentation of Glucose
The balanced chemical reaction for the fermentation of glucose to ethanol and carbon dioxide can be represented as follows:
C6H12O6 (glucose) → 2 C2H5OH (ethanol) + 2 CO2 (carbon dioxide)
In the context of biofuel production, the pretreatment of biomass such as sugarcane allows the extraction and hydrolysis of sugars that can be fermented to produce ethanol. This sustainable method utilizes the sugars derived from photosynthesis in plants, which convert sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into energy-rich molecules such as glucose.