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1. Define alcohol fermentation and explain its significance in biochemical

processes.

Answer: Alcohol fermentation is a metabolic process by which glucose or

other six-carbon sugars are converted into cellular energy and produce

ethanol and carbon dioxide as by-products. It is significant in biochemical

processes as it allows organisms to produce energy anaerobically.

2. Describe the role of yeast in alcohol fermentation.

Answer: Yeast acts as a catalyst in alcohol fermentation, particularly

Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which converts carbohydrates into ethanol and

carbon dioxide through the glycolytic pathway.

3. What are the end products of alcohol fermentation?

Answer: The end products of alcohol fermentation are ethanol and carbon

dioxide.

4. Compare and contrast alcohol fermentation with lactic acid

fermentation.

Answer: Both are types of anaerobic respiration but differ in their end

products; alcohol fermentation produces ethanol and CO2, whereas lactic

acid fermentation results in lactic acid.

5. Explain the conditions under which alcohol fermentation occurs in

cells.

Answer: Alcohol fermentation occurs under anaerobic conditions, where

there is an absence of oxygen, typically in yeast cells or certain bacteria.

6. How does the concentration of substrate affect the rate of alcohol

fermentation?

Answer: The rate of alcohol fermentation increases with substrate

concentration until it reaches a saturation point beyond which the rate no

longer increases due to enzyme activity limitations.

7. Discuss the importance of pH in alcohol fermentation.

Answer: The pH level affects enzyme activity and stability; optimal pH

for yeast alcohol fermentation is slightly acidic, around 4.0 to 6.0.