RD - Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) Practice Test

What process describes the hydrolysis of sucrose to yield equal amounts of fructose and glucose?

1. Crystallization

2. Reversion

3. Inversion

4. Ripening

The correct answer is: Inversion

The hydrolysis of sucrose to yield equal amounts of fructose and glucose is known as inversion. In this process, sucrose, which is a disaccharide composed of glucose and fructose, is broken down into its monosaccharide components through the addition of water. This reaction is facilitated by enzymes, acids, or heat, leading to a mixture containing both glucose and fructose. The term "inversion" is used specifically because this reaction results in a change in the optical rotation of the sugar mixture; sucrose is optically active in one direction, while the resulting equal mixture of glucose and fructose rotates light in the opposite direction. The incorrect options do not accurately describe this specific reaction. Crystallization refers to the process of forming solid crystals from a solution, which is not related to the hydrolysis of sucrose. Reversion typically concerns the conversion of sugars back into non-reducing forms or less sweet forms, while ripening describes the change in the quality and composition of fruits as they mature, which again does not pertain to the hydrolysis of sucrose.