Science  People  Locations  Timeline
Index: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Home > Zymology


 

Zymology is the science of fermentation. It deals with the biochemical processes involved in fermentation, with yeast selection and physiology, and with the practical issues of brewing. Zymology is occasionally known as zymurgy.

1 Fermentation

Fermentation can be simply defined, in this context, as the conversion of sugar molecules into alcohol and carbon dioxide by yeast enzymes.

2 History

French chemist Louis Pasteur was the first zymologist, when in 1857 he connected yeast to fermentation. Pasteur originally defined fermentation as respiration without air.

Pasteur performed careful research and concluded, "...I am of the opinion that alcoholic fermentation never occurs without simultaneous organization, development and multiplication of cells... ...if asked, in what consists the chemical act whereby the sugar is decomposed... ...I am completely ignorant of it...."

The German Eduard Buchner, winner of the 1907 Nobel Prize in chemistry, later determined that fermentation was actually caused by a yeast secretion that he termed zymase .

The research efforts undertaken by the Danish Carlsberg scientists greatly accelerated the gain of knowledge about yeast and brewing. The Carlsberg scientists are generally acknowledged with kick-starting the entire field of molecular biologyMolecular biology is the study of biology at a molecular level. The field overlaps with other areas of biology, particularly genetics and biochemistry. Molecular biology chiefly concerns itself with understanding the interactions between the various syste.

3 Products

4 External links

BiochemistryBiochemistry is the chemistry of life. Biochemists study the elements, compounds and chemical reactions that are controlled by enzymes and take place in all living organisms. Biochemistry is focused on the structure and function of cellular components, su MicrobiologyMicrobiology is the study of microorganisms, including unicellular (single-celled) eukaryotes and prokaryotes, fungi, and viruses. Today, most of the work in microbiology is done using methods from biochemistry and genetics. It is also related to patholog

Read more »

Non User