Final answer:
Fermentation is a biochemcial process in which yeast cells break down glucose into ethanol and carbon dioxide in the absence of oxygen. It's utilized in making bread, beer, and wine, with the balanced chemical reaction for glucose fermentation being C6H12O6 → 2 C2H5OH + 2 CO2.
Step-by-step explanation:
In order for the process of fermentation to occur in the absence of oxygen, the products from mashing are placed in a sealed vessel. Fermentation is a critical biochemical process utilized by yeast cells to survive when oxygen is not present. This method has been exploited throughout history for the production of various foods and beverages such as wine, beer, and bread.
The balanced chemical reaction for the fermentation of glucose is as follows:
C6H12O6 → 2 C2H5OH + 2 CO2
Here, one molecule of glucose (C6H12O6), through the process of fermentation, yields two molecules of ethanol (C2H5OH) and two molecules of carbon dioxide (CO2). This reaction is fundamental to the commercial production of products like bread, where the CO2 helps the dough rise, and alcoholic beverages, where ethanol is the desired product.