Which enzyme helps in the breakdown of the sugar in molasses, sugarcane or fruits such as grapes is converted to glucose and fructose?

Invertase

The correct answer is option 2. Invertase.

Let us break down the roles of the enzymes mentioned in the context of sugar breakdown.

1. Zymase:

Zymase is a complex of enzymes found in yeast that is involved in the fermentation of sugars to produce ethanol and carbon dioxide.

\(\text{Glucose} \rightarrow \text{Ethanol} + \text{CO}_2\)

Used in the production of alcoholic beverages and in bread making.

2. Invertase (Sucrase):

Invertase catalyzes the hydrolysis of sucrose, which is a disaccharide sugar composed of glucose and fructose.

\(\text{Sucrose} + \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{Glucose} + \text{Fructose}\)

Invertase is found in various sources, including yeast, bacteria, and plants. It is used in the food industry to produce invert sugar syrup, which is a mixture of glucose and fructose. This syrup is sweeter than sucrose and is used in various food products.

3. Lactase:

Lactase breaks down lactose, a disaccharide sugar found in milk, into glucose and galactose.

\(\text{Lactose} + \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{Glucose} + \text{Galactose}\)

Used in the dairy industry to produce lactose-free milk and other dairy products for people with lactose intolerance.

4. Maltase

Maltase breaks down maltose, a disaccharide sugar composed of two glucose units, into two glucose molecules.

\(\text{Maltose} + \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow 2 \text{Glucose}\)

Found in the digestive system and used in the malting process in brewing and other industries.

Summary:

Invertase is specifically responsible for breaking down sucrose into glucose and fructose, which is relevant for the sugars found in molasses, sugarcane, and fruits.  Zymase is used in fermentation, lactase is used for lactose, and maltase is used for maltose.  Thus, invertase is the enzyme that helps in converting sucrose (common in the mentioned sources) into glucose and fructose.