What is the Difference Between Saccharomyces Cerevisiae and Saccharomyces Boulardii

The main difference between Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Saccharomyces boulardii is that S. cerevisiae is used in winemaking, brewing, and backing, whereas S. boulardii is sometimes used as a probiotic.

S. cerevisiae and S. boulardii are two genera of Saccharomyces. They are the yeasts that ferment sugars.  

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Saccharomyces Cerevisiae
– Definition, Features, Importance
2. What is Saccharomyces Boulardii
– Definition, Features, Importance
3. Similarities Between Saccharomyces Cerevisiae and Saccharomyces Boulardii
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Saccharomyces Cerevisiae and Saccharomyces Boulardii
– Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms 

Saccharomyces Boulardii, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae

What is Saccharomyces Cerevisiae

S. cerevisiae is a yeast species important in winemaking, bakery, and brewing industries from ancient times. It originally occurs in the skin of the grapes. S. cerevisiae is also a model organism that is intensively used in biotechnology. The main characteristic feature of S. cerevisiae is fermentation. Its fermentation occurs in the absence of oxygen. In addition, the fermentation of S. cerevisiae results in ethanol and carbon dioxide.

Figure 1: S. Cerevisiae

Furthermore, S. cerevisiae is round to ovoid in shape, and its diameter is 5–10 μm. The reproduction of the yeast occurs through budding. In general, the other names for S. cerevisiae include brewer’s yeast, ala yeast, top-fermenting yeast, baker’s yeast, and budding yeast. Moreover, there are two types of S. cerevisiae, and they are diploid and haploid forms of yeast. Here, haploid cells undergo mitosis, and it is the asexual form of S. cerevisiae. However, diploid cells also undergo mitosis during their lifecycle. Under stress, diploid cells undergo sporulation by producing haploid spores.

What is Saccharomyces Boulardii

S. boulardii is a probiotic yeast isolated from lychee and mangosteen fruit. It is important for the introduction of beneficial microbes to the gastrointestinal tract to confer protection against pathogens. Also, it improves the function of the gut. It produces antimicrobial peptides. Additionally, it stimulates the immune system inhibiting inflammation. Therefore, it prevents gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea symptoms. The optimal temperature for the growth of S. boulardii is 37 °C. Also, it does not ferment galactose. Additionally, it does not undergo sporulation.

Figure 2: S. Boulardii

Moreover, healthcare professionals commonly prescribe S. boulardii for traveler’s diarrhea (TD), antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Cron’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. Other uses of S. boulardii include high cholesterol, H. pylori infection, C. difficile infection, and C. albicans infection. However, an optimal dose for S. boulardii is not established.   

Similarities Between Saccharomyces Cerevisiae and Saccharomyces Boulardii

• S. cerevisiae and S. boulardii are two genera of Saccharomyces.
• They are the yeast that ferments sugars. 

Difference Between Saccharomyces Cerevisiae and Saccharomyces Boulardii

Definition

S. cerevisiae refers to a single-celled (or unicellular) fungus known commonly as yeast, while S. boulardii refers to a probiotic yeast often used to treat GI tract disorders such as diarrhea symptoms.

Lower Optimal Growth Temperature

The lower optimal growth temperature is around 30 °C in S. cerevisiae, while the lower optimal temperature is around 37 °C in S. boulardii.  

Resistant to Low pH

S. cerevisiae has a low resistance to lower pH, while S. boulardii has a higher resistance to lower pH.

Galactose

S. cerevisiae use galactose while S. boulardii does not use galactose.

Spores

S. cerevisiae is sporogenous, while S. boulardii is asporogenous. 

Importance

S. cerevisiae is used in winemaking, brewing, and backing, while S. boulardii is sometimes used as a probiotic.

Conclusion

In brief, S. cerevisiae and S. boulardii are two Saccharomyces species fermenting sugars. They are yeast. The S. cerevisiae is important in winemaking, brewing, and backing. The optimal growth temperature of S. cerevisiae is 30 °C. It has a low resistance to lower pH. It uses galactose for fermentation. Also, it is sporogenous. In comparison, S. boulardii is important as a probiotic. Its optimal growth temperature is 37 °C. It has a higher resistance to lower pH. However, it does not use galactose for fermentation. Also, it is sporogenous. Therefore, the main difference between S. cerevisiae and S. boulardii is their importance. 

References:

1. West C, Stanisz AM, Wong A, Kunze WA. Effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae or boulardii yeasts on acute stress induced intestinal dysmotility. World J Gastroenterol. 2016 Dec 28;22(48):10532-10544. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i48.10532. PMID: 28082805; PMCID: PMC5192264.
2. Trang Tran. (n.d.). What is saccharomyces boulardii?. Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-benefits-of-saccharomyces-boulardii-89509

Image Courtesy:

1. “Saccharomyces cerevisiae 400x img428” By By A doubt – Own work (CC-BY SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Saccharomyces boulardii” By Karolina.lokkkaj – Own Work (CC-BY SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia