What type of beverages can yeast ferment to produce alcohol?

Yeast is a microorganism that plays a crucial role in the fermentation process, where it converts sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide. The correct answer encompasses the broad range of substrates that yeast can act upon to produce alcohol.

Yeast can ferment sugars found in various sources, which includes grains (such as barley and corn), fruits (such as grapes and apples), and certain vegetables (like sweet potatoes). For example, wine is produced from the fermentation of sugars in fruits, while beer is made from the fermentation of sugars in grains.

Grains provide starches, which yeast can convert into fermentable sugars through enzymatic action, while fruits and some vegetables naturally contain sugars that can be directly fermented. Thus, the inclusion of grains, fruits, and vegetables in the correct answer reflects the diverse range of materials from which yeast can derive the necessary sugars for fermentation.

The other options are limited in scope and do not accurately represent the versatility of yeast in fermenting different types of organic matter. Yeast thrives on any substrate that contains fermentable sugars, which is why the correct answer encompasses all three categories.