Jäsningsvägar

Jäsning, or fermentation in English, refers to a metabolic process that converts sugar to acids, gases, or alcohol. It occurs in yeast and bacteria, and also in oxygen-starved muscle cells, as in the case of lactic acid fermentation. Jäsningsvägar, or fermentation pathways, are the specific biochemical routes that microorganisms and cells utilize to achieve this conversion.

There are several primary jäsningsvägar. Alcoholic fermentation is a well-known pathway where sugars like glucose are converted into ethanol and carbon dioxide. This process is fundamental to the production of alcoholic beverages like beer and wine, as well as the leavening of bread. Lactic acid fermentation is another significant pathway. In this process, glucose is converted into lactic acid. This occurs in muscle cells during intense exercise when oxygen supply is limited, and it is also employed by certain bacteria used in dairy production, such as in yogurt and cheese making.

Other less common jäsningsvägar exist, producing different end products. For example, propionic acid fermentation yields propionic acid, acetic acid, and carbon dioxide, and is important in Swiss cheese production. Mixed acid fermentation produces a mixture of acids, including lactic, acetic, succinic, and formic acids, along with gases. The specific jäsningsväg employed by an organism is often determined by its genetic makeup and the enzymes it possesses. Understanding these pathways is crucial in various industries, including food and beverage production, as well as in the study of microbial metabolism.