Saccharomyces
Saccharomyces
Saccharomyces (pronunciation: /ˌsækəˈraɪmiːz/) is a genus of fungi that includes many species of yeasts. The name Saccharomyces comes from Greek and means 'sugar fungus'.
Etymology
The term "Saccharomyces" is derived from the Greek words "sakcharon" meaning sugar and "mykes" meaning fungus. This is in reference to the ability of yeasts in this genus to ferment sugars.
Description
Saccharomyces are unicellular, oval or round yeasts that reproduce asexually by budding. They are known for their ability to ferment sugars, producing alcohol and carbon dioxide in the process. This property is widely utilized in the brewing, baking, and winemaking industries.
Species
There are several species of Saccharomyces, the most well-known of which is Saccharomyces cerevisiae, commonly known as baker's or brewer's yeast. Other species include Saccharomyces pastorianus, used in lager beer production, and Saccharomyces boulardii, a probiotic yeast.
Medical Relevance
In medicine, Saccharomyces boulardii is used as a probiotic to treat a variety of gastrointestinal disorders. Some studies suggest that Saccharomyces cerevisiae may have potential in the treatment of certain cancers.
Related Terms
- Yeast
- Fermentation
- Probiotic
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae
- Saccharomyces pastorianus
- Saccharomyces boulardii
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Saccharomyces
- Wikipedia's article - Saccharomyces
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