jästsvamp

Jästsvamp is the Swedish term for yeast, a group of single-celled fungi. These organisms are crucial in various biological and industrial processes, most notably in fermentation. Yeast reproduce asexually, primarily through budding, where a new cell grows from a parent cell and eventually detaches.

There are numerous species of yeast, with Saccharomyces cerevisiae being one of the most well-known and widely used. This particular species plays a vital role in baking, where it produces carbon dioxide that causes dough to rise, and in brewing and winemaking, where it converts sugars into ethanol. Other yeasts are found naturally on fruits, in soil, and on the skin of animals, including humans.

While many yeasts are beneficial and harmless, some can cause infections, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems. These pathogenic yeasts can lead to conditions like candidiasis, commonly known as a yeast infection. Research into yeast continues to expand our understanding of their metabolic pathways and their applications in biotechnology, food science, and medicine. Their metabolic versatility makes them valuable tools for producing various compounds and for bioremediation.