Answer to Question #200225 in Biochemistry for eee

Question

yeast cells can catabolise glucose under both aerobic conditions (respiration) and anaerobic conditions (fermentation/glycolysis). In this experiment, we will study both processes using a culture of Saccharomyces cerevisiae which has been aerobically adapted. By relating the amount of ethanol produced to the amount of glucose consumed over the same period of time, we will attempt to determine which process is the most efficient provider of energy to the yeast cells. This assumes of course that the energy needs of the cells are similar under the two sets of conditions. 

how can we determine which process is more efficient by calculating Moles ethanol produced per mole glucose catabolized ??

Answer 1

aerobic conditions (respiration)

C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O

anaerobic conditions (fermentation/glycolysis)

C₆H₁₂O₆ → 2C₂H₅OH + 2CO₂

Ethanol is not the product of aerobic respiration. So, we can determine which process is more efficient by calculating moles of CO₂ produced per mole of glucose catabolized.