Demonstration of alcoholic fermentation

Demonstration of alcoholic fermentation

Take a Kuhne’s fermentation tube which consists of an upright glass tube with side bulb. Pour 10% sugar solution mixed with baker’s yeast into the fermentation tube the side tube is filled plug the mouth with lid. After some time, the glucose solution will be fermented. The solution will give out an alcoholic smell and level of solution in glass column will fall due to the accumulation of CO₂ gas. It is due to the presence of zymase enzyme in yeast which converts the glucose solution into alcohol and CO₂ . Now introduce a pellet of KOH into the tube, the KOH will absorb CO₂ and the level of solution will rise in upright tube (Figure 14.13).

Activity

Take a bottle filled with warm water mixed with baker’s yeast and sugar. After some time, you will notice water bubbling as yeast produces carbon dioxide. Attach a balloon to the mouth of the bottle. After 30 minutes you’ll notice balloon standing upright (Figure 14.14).