Baker's Yeast
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Also known as: Brewer's Yeast, Budding Yeast
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Complete Taxonomy
Description
Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been humanity's microbial partner for millennia in brewing, baking, and winemaking. This unicellular fungus ferments sugars to produce ethanol and carbon dioxide, making it indispensable to civilization. Beyond its traditional uses, it's a premier model organism in molecular biology and genetics, with the first eukaryotic genome ever sequenced. Modern biotechnology employs it to produce pharmaceuticals, biofuels, and industrial enzymes.
Physical Characteristics
Distribution
Worldwide; naturally occurring and domesticated strains
Habitat
Naturally found on ripe fruits, tree bark exudates, and soil. Domesticated strains maintained in breweries, bakeries, and laboratories worldwide.
Ecological Role
Ferments sugars in various natural environments, particularly on ripe and decaying fruits. Competes with bacteria in sugar-rich niches.
Medicinal & Nutritional Properties
- Rich source of B-complex vitamins
- Provides essential amino acids and minerals
- Nutritional supplement (brewer's yeast)
- Used in production of insulin and other pharmaceuticals
- Research into longevity and aging mechanisms
- Probiotic potential
Cultural Significance
Foundation of human civilization - beer, bread, and wine production for 9,000+ years. First eukaryotic genome sequenced (1996). Model organism for cell biology, genetics, aging research. Nobel Prizes awarded for yeast research. Estimated economic impact in billions annually.
Fascinating Facts
- Used by humans for at least 9,000 years
- First eukaryotic organism to have its genome fully sequenced (1996)
- ~6,000 genes, 23% similar to human genes
- Can reproduce every 90 minutes under optimal conditions
- Different strains produce distinct flavors in beer, wine, and bread
- Survived in dormant state in 3,000-year-old Egyptian vessels
- Critical model for cancer, Alzheimer's, and aging research
- Used to produce bioethanol, vaccines, and human insulin