Question

Compare and contrast the mechanisms of aldolase and the pyruvate decarboxylase in ethanolic fermentation. Use illustrations to support your points.

Answer 1

Aldolase is an enzyme which carries out the reaction in which fructose 1,6 bis phosphate is cleaved into two 3 carbon sugars namely glyceraldehyde 3 phosphate and Dihydroxyacetone 3 phosphate . this is a purely reversible reaction under intracellular conditions. it doesnot require NADH or NAD+ as electron donor or acceptor.

Pyruvate decarboxylase is an enzyme which caries out the reaction of converting acetaldehyde to ethanol by using NADH as electron donor. This is reaction in irreversible under intracellular conditions.