In order to grow, yeast need glucose (C 6 H 12 O 6) or sucrose (table sugar, C 12 H 22 O 11), water (H 2 O) and warm temperatures. As yeast digest sugar, they turn into alcohol. In the process they give off carbon dioxide (CO 2) gas. The alcohol dissolves in the water and the gas escapes into the air. Yeast is used to make bread.