The Process of Beer Production

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The Process of Beer Production

Beer is produced mainly through a process known as fermentation.

Fermentation is a result of anaerobic respiration of the yeast in the

"wort" – the mash of barley and wheat that the beer is brewed from.

How does this work, and what is anaerobic respiration?

Some organisms can survive while they get their energy without oxygen

gas being directly involved in their "breathing". Respiration is a

complex chain of chemical reactions that releases energy from

energy-rich molecules, such as sugars. The cell needs the energy to be

able to work properly.

During respiration, the cells move electrons around, using complex

chemical reactions. In the process, they make and break atomic bonds,

and so release energy, or store it as chemical potential energy in

molecules like ATP. These are a bit like little rechargeable batteries

for the body.

Fermentation results in far fewer ATP molecules being made per amount

of sugar that is broken down. Sugar is the fuel for the yeast cells.

Fermentation involves the use of yeasts. Yeast can live in an

environment where there is no oxygen, because yeasts can respire

without oxygen. The respiration during fermentation is anaerobic, or

‘without oxygen’. When yeast respires without oxygen it produces

alcohol, and this is really very important. The yeast makes the

alcohol that makes alcoholic drinks alcoholic. This alcohol is

actually a waste product of the cells, along with carbon dioxide. The

carbon dioxide gas helps make the beer fizzy. Alcohol and carbon

dioxide might be waste products for the yeast cells, but they

certainly are not a waste product for the man down in the pub, with a

nice head on his beer.

Here is a basic form of the fermentation equation, which you might

find useful:

Fermentation breaks down sugars to form alcohol, carbon dioxide, and

energy.

Sugar --- ---> alcohol + carbon dioxide + energy

C6H12O6 ---> 2C2H5OH + 2CO2 + E (2 ATP)

WINE PRODUCTION

The process of wine making involves turning the sugar in grapes into

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