Do you expect yeast to produce a gas when sugar is available?

Yes, when sugar is available, yeast is expected to produce gas. This process is known as fermentation, where yeast converts glucose or other fermentable sugars into cellular energy by breaking them down in the absence of oxygen.

During fermentation, yeast cells metabolize the sugar, and as a byproduct, they release carbon dioxide gas along with some other compounds. The released carbon dioxide gas causes the dough to rise, allowing it to become fluffy and giving baked goods like bread, pastries, and pizza dough their characteristic texture and height. It also contributes to the development of flavors and aromas associated with fermented yeast products.

The chemical reaction that takes place during fermentation can be summarized as:

Glucose → Ethanol + Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

C6H12O6 → 2C2H5OH + 2CO2

So, when yeast encounters sugar in a suitable environment, the fermentation process commences, resulting in the production of carbon dioxide and other fermentation byproducts that contribute to the characteristics of fermented foods and beverages.