Sugar Cane is a so-called C4 plant, a plant having a different mechanism of carbon fixation (binding of atmospheric carbon) than other plants. Consequently, the ¹³C-content of C4 plants is enriched, relative to non-C4 plants. This biochemical finding can be used to detect the amount of sugar from sugarcane, which has been added to the grape juice before its fermentation, by measuring the ¹³C-isotope content in the resulting ethanol. How can you measure the ¹³C-content of ethanol in a wine-sample?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The ¹³C-content of ethanol in a wine sample can be measured by integrating the signal using a sample with known ¹³C-content of ethanol as a standard. This method allows for the quantification of the specific isotope content by comparing it to a known standard.

Sugar Cane Is a So-Called C4 Plant, a Plant Having