Yeast in Food Production (Edexcel IGCSE Biology (Modular)) : Revision Note

Yeast in Food Production

  • Microorganisms can be used by humans to produce foods and other useful substances

  • One example of this is the production of bread using yeast

  • Yeast is a single-celled fungus that can carry out both aerobic and anaerobic respiration

A typical fungal cell

Yeast is a single-celled fungus, similar to the one shown in the diagram above

Making bread

  • During bread making yeast is added to bread dough

  • The yeast produces enzymes that break down the starch in flour, releasing sugars that can be used by the yeast in respiration

    • The yeast begin to respire aerobically but will switch to anaerobic respiration when oxygen runs out

  • When yeast carries out anaerobic respiration it produces alcohol (ethanol) and carbon dioxide

  • The carbon dioxide produced by the yeast is trapped in small air-pockets in the dough, causing the dough to rise (increase in volume)

  • The dough is then baked in a hot oven to form bread

    • During baking any ethanol produced by the yeast is evaporated in the heat, so bread doesn't contain any alcohol

  • The yeast is killed by the high temperatures used during baking

    • This ensures there is no further respiration by the yeast

Glucose -> ethanol + carbon dioxide

The carbon dioxide produced by the anaerobic respiration of glucose is what makes bread dough rise

👀 You've read 1 of your 5 free revision notes this week
An illustration of students holding their exam resultsUnlock more revision notes. It's free!

By signing up you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.

Already have an account? Log in

Did this page help you?

Lára Marie McIvor

Author: Lára Marie McIvor

Expertise: Biology, Psychology & Sociology Lead

Lára graduated from Oxford University in Biological Sciences and has now been a science tutor working in the UK for several years. Lára has a particular interest in the area of infectious disease and epidemiology, and enjoys creating original educational materials that develop confidence and facilitate learning.

Download notes on Yeast in Food Production