Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I conducted an experiment with yeast to determine the rate of anaerobic respiration in the presence of different carbohydrates. I used sucrose solution, glucose solution, sugar solution, Splenda and Equal. Would the yeast metabolize the Splenda and Equal?

Hi,

This is a great topic for a science project. Splenda and Equal both contain the artificial sweetener sucralose. Here is a website that shows the chemical structure of sucralose. Please note the position of the chlorine atoms in the molecule.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sucralose

Now, here is the structure of sucrose. Please note that there are no chlorine atoms in the molecule.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sucrose

Both humans and yeast produce enzymes that will hydrolyze sucrose to release energy needed for metabolism, but neither organism can utilize sucralose.

Here is another article that includes information on other artificial sweeteners.

http://www.scientificpsychic.com/fitnes ... eners.html

What were your results? Why were you asking the question? Please let me know if you need more information.


Donna Hardy