Alcoholic fermentation is a biological process in which sugars are converted into cellular energy, producing ethanol and carbon dioxide as byproducts. The general formula for this process can be summarized as follows:
C6H12O6 → 2 C2H5OH + 2 CO2
In this equation:
- C6H12O6 represents glucose, a simple sugar that acts as the primary substrate for the fermentation process.
- C2H5OH is ethanol, the type of alcohol produced during fermentation.
- CO2 is carbon dioxide, which is released as a gas during fermentation.
This process occurs anaerobically, meaning it takes place in the absence of oxygen, and is commonly utilized in the production of alcoholic beverages, bread making, and biofuel production.