To determine if the experiment conducted by the group of students answers questions about the flow of matter and energy during fermentation, we can consider several aspects of yeast fermentation:
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Inputs and Outputs: In a typical yeast fermentation experiment, you would evaluate the initial substrates (usually glucose or other sugars) and the end products (such as carbon dioxide and ethanol). A good question to ask might be how much of the initial substrate is converted into products, and what forms of energy are released during this process.
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Energy Transformation: The experiment can illustrate how energy is transformed during fermentation. Yeast converts sugars into carbon dioxide and alcohol, releasing energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). A relevant question would be how much energy (in terms of ATP) is produced per molecule of sugar fermented.
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Effects of Variables: Questions about how altering variables (e.g., temperature, sugar concentration, or yeast strain) affect the fermentation process would help explore the flow of energy and matter. For instance, how does increasing the sugar concentration affect the rate of fermentation and the overall production of carbon dioxide and ethanol?
Based on these points, if the experiment includes measurements of substrates consumed, products produced, and energy output, it can indeed answer questions about the flow of matter and energy during fermentation. If the experiment lacks these elements, it may not provide the comprehensive insights needed to fully understand the processes involved.
In summary, whether the experiment answers questions about the flow of matter and energy during fermentation depends on the specific design of the experiment, what data were collected, and which questions were posed regarding the fermentation process.
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