This group of enzymes is found in numerous organisms, including bacteria, yeasts, fungi and higher plants. It was first isolated in yeast in 1846. Synonyms are fructosidase, glucosucrase, invertin, saccharase and sucrase. The similar enzymes glucosidases with the same function are active in the human digestive tract.
In the cells of ripening grapes, invertases break down sucrose (household sugar) into its two components glucose (grape sugar) and fructose (fruit sugar) by hydrolysis (reaction with water). The sucrose formed in the leaves during photosynthesis is transported via the phloem into the berries where it is broken down enzymatically. This process is also known as inversion, as it changes the optical rotation of the sugar mixture. The resulting mixture is known as invert sugar. This process is essential for sugar storage.
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Sigi Hiss
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