Yeast Biotechnology Flashcards
How do yeast reproduce?
Budding or fission
Why do we study yeast?
Very easy to manipulate
Why are yeast so well understood? (4)
- Fast growing (easy to screen for a mutation if there are lots of them)
- Easy to transform (DNA into cells)
- Easy to isolate chromosomal DNA
- Small genome meaning less genes so it easier to find genes which cause mutations
P. pastoris produces large cell densities. Why is this advantageous?
This produces thick cell cultures. A greater amount of an organism in a fermentor, a greater amount of product formed.
How can proteolysis be avoided?
Secretion of proteins we produce out of the cell before it recognises it as a foreign protein
2 reasons as to why secretion is important:
- Avoiding toxicity
- Additional post-translational modifications
Some industrial yeasts are difficult to manipulate, why? (2)
- Genetically complex, non-haploid, low mating, low sporulation
- Legal, moral, ethical issues, especially in foodstuffs
What is an alternative method for producing desired yeast with their qualities?
Undergo natural selection
Why is flocculation important after the product is formed in the brewing process?
Allows separation of yeast from the product
What is a 1st generation biofuel?
First-generation biofuels are produced from types of biomass that are often used for food, such as corn, soy, and sugar- cane
What is a 2nd generation biofuel?
Second-generation biofuels refer to energy harvested mainly from non-food crops including agricultural residues, forest residues, and solid wastes for achieving circular economy
How can yeast be able to ferment the lignocellulose from plant biomass?
Lignocellulose is broken down into sugars by cellulases. These release xylose and glucose.
