Beer is produced mainly through a process known as fermentation

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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.

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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, ...

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