Chapter 11, Problem 11.61PAE

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

An experiment that could measure the activation energy for the production of lactic acid by bacteria in milk should be devised. Description and assumptions for this reaction should be determined

Concept introduction:

Lactic acid produced from milk after the digestion of sugar lactose by the enzyme lactic acid bacteria and Lactose turns into acid as follows:

${\text{C}}_{\text{12}}{\text{H}}_{\text{22}}{\text{O}}_{\text{11}} + {\text{H}}_{\text{2}}\text{O} \to {\text{4 CH}}_{\text{3}}\text{CH}\left(\text{OH}\right)-\text{COOH}$

The yogurt serves as inoculums and if added to fresh milk, it initiates the conversion of lactose of milk to lactic acid and processes the fermentation of milk or curdling.