Question

Which of the following food items is produced by the fermenting activity of microbes?
A. Milk
B. Dosa
C. Toddy
D. Cheese
A) A and C
B) C and D
C) A, B and C
D) B, C and D

Answer 1

Fermentation is basically a chemical process by which molecules such as glucose are broken down anaerobically (i.e. in the absence of oxygen). In simpler words, we can say that fermentation is the foaming that takes place during the manufacture of wine and beer. It is performed in dairy products as well.

Complete answer: Many bacteria and yeasts carry out the fermentation process. These organisms are used by the people to make yoghurt, bread, wine, and biofuels. Cheese is one of the oldest products obtained from processing milk. It is prepared with the help of microbes. The curd is separated from the liquid part or whey in order to manufacture cheese. Toddy is a famous traditional drink popular among the people belonging to some parts of South India which are made by fermentation of sap of palm tree. Dosa and upma, are famous South Indian dishes that are mainly the fermented preparation of rice and black gram (Urad). The two are allowed to ferment for approximately two hours with the air-borne bacteria: Streptococcus. Fermentation occurs in the absence of oxygen, therefore, it is an anaerobic reaction. In the process, the carbohydrate is converted into alcohol. The science of fermentation is known as zymology or zymurgy.
So, the correct answer is option D.

Note: It is important to note that fermentation also takes place in the muscle cells of humans. This occurs when muscle cells cannot get oxygen fast enough to meet their energy needs through aerobic respiration, as a result of which lactic acid or lactate gets accumulated in the muscle.