What is the Difference Between Saccharomyces Cerevisiae and Saccharomyces Uvarum

The main difference between Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Saccharomyces uvarum is that S. cerevisiae is a small yeast that occurs on the top of the brewing tank and brews in warm temperatures while S. uvarum is large, brews at colder temperatures, and occurs at the bottom of the brewing tank 

Generally, S. cerevisiae and S. uvarum are two types of brewing yeast. Generally, the metabolism of carbohydrates by brewing yeast or fermentation results in carbon dioxide and ethanol.

Key Areas Covered

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

Key Terms

Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, Saccharomyces Uvarum

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 Uvarum

S. uvarum is another form of yeast in the brewing industry. It is more common in fermented beverages. However, the most significant feature of S. uvarum is that it undergoes brewing in colder temperatures. Usually, S. ovurum is larger in comparison to S. cerevisiae. Therefore, it occurs in the bottom of the brewing tank and can undergo fermentation in colder temperatures than the temperatures of S. cerevisiae. In addition, S. uvarum does not produce foam like top-fermenting yeast.

Figure 2: S. cerevisiae

Similarities Between and Saccharomyces Cerevisiae and Saccharomyces Uvarum

• S. cerevisiae and S. uvarum are two types of brewing yeast, important in winemaking, baking, and brewing.
• Moreover, they produce carbon dioxide and ethanol in the fermentation of carbohydrates.

Difference Between Saccharomyces Cerevisiae and Saccharomyces Uvarum

Definition

S. cerevisiae refers to a single-celled (or unicellular) fungus known commonly as yeast while S. uvarum refers to a species of yeast that is commonly found in fermented beverages.

Structure

Diploid forms of S. cerevisiae are ellipsoid shaped and haploid forms are spherical while S. uvarum produces ovoid, spherical, or elongated cells.

Size

S. cerevisiae is a small yeast while S. uvarum is a large yeast.

Fermentation

Moreover, S. cerevisiae is a top-fermenting type of yeast while S. uvarum is the bottom-fermenting type of yeast.

Temperature

S. cerevisiae ferments in warm temperatures while S. uvarum ferments in colder temperatures.

Forming Foam

S. cerevisiae forms foam while S. uvarum does not form foam.

Conclusion

In brief, S. cerevisiae and S. uvarum are two types of brewing yeast that are commonly used in the bakery and brewing industries.  S. cerevisiae is a small yeast and it occurs on the top of the brewing tank. In contrast, S. uvarum is large and it occurs at the bottom of the brewing tank. In addition, S. cerevisiae brews in warm temperatures while S. uvarum brews at colder temperatures. Therefore, the main difference between Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Saccharomyces uvarum is the brewing conditions.  

References:

1. Parapouli M, Vasileiadis A, Afendra AS, Hatziloukas E. Saccharomyces cerevisiae and its industrial applications. AIMS Microbiol. 2020 Feb 11;6(1):1-31. doi: 10.3934/microbiol.2020001. PMID: 32226912; PMCID: PMC7099199
2. “Saccharomyces Uvarum.” Saccharomyces Uvarum – an Overview | ScienceDirect Topics.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Saccharomyces cerevisiae SEM” By Mogana Das Murtey and Patchamuthu Ramasamy – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Saccharomyces cerevisiae 400x img428” By A doubt. – Own Work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia