Conversion of glucose into ethyl alcohol is carried out by which of the following enzymes ?

Question

Accepted Answer

The conversion of glucose into ethyl alcohol is a process known as fermentation, which is primarily carried out by the enzyme complex known as zymase. Here is a detailed explanation supporting why Option 3, zymase, is the correct answer, along with reasons why the other options are incorrect:

1. **Zymase (Option 3):** 
   - Zymase is a complex of enzymes found in yeast cells that catalyzes the fermentation of sugars, such as glucose, into ethanol (ethyl alcohol) and carbon dioxide. This process is anaerobic, meaning it occurs in the absence of oxygen. Zymase facilitates the breakdown of glucose through glycolysis and subsequent fermentation steps, ultimately producing ethanol. This is why zymase is the correct answer for the conversion of glucose into ethyl alcohol.

2. **Maltase (Option 1):**
   - Maltase is an enzyme that specifically catalyzes the hydrolysis of maltose into two glucose molecules. It does not play a role in the fermentation process or the conversion of glucose into ethyl alcohol. Therefore, maltase is not the correct enzyme for this process.

3. **Invertase (Option 2):**
   - Invertase is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of sucrose into glucose and fructose. While it is involved in the breakdown of certain sugars, it does not participate in the fermentation process that converts glucose into ethyl alcohol. Thus, invertase is not the correct enzyme for this conversion.

4. **Diastase (Option 4):**
   - Diastase is a group of enzymes that catalyze the breakdown of starch into maltose. It is primarily involved in the digestion of starches and does not have a role in the fermentation of glucose to ethyl alcohol. Therefore, diastase is not the correct enzyme for this process.

In conclusion, zymase is the enzyme complex responsible for the fermentation of glucose into ethyl alcohol, making Option 3 the correct answer. The other enzymes listed do not participate in this specific biochemical conversion.