Genetically Modified Yeast = Better beer?

[blaskos]

Ok so this topic is maybe catchy so thats why i used it. Im in a Genetically modified organism's class at the all to famous University of Colorado. Anyways we get to pick any topic concerning GMO's. So right away GM yeast came to my head!

Now as im reading my intro to brew book, there are many different strains of yeast that give better or different tastes correct? Well in this class all we have to do is write a 10 page paper on any topic. Do you all think this will be a good topic that is somewhat relevant. Dont get me wrong i dont think this will ever happen but what if. Any ways please give me your comments on what you think about the topic!!

Thanks

[BrewDog]

I think it's a great topic, for all the reasons you listed. Many breweries use their own proprietary yeast strains (Rogue's famous "PacMan" yeast is one). These were "developed" the old fashioned way, by coddling 'good' yeasts and tossing away 'bad' ones. Adding genetic engineering to the mix would be interesting.

One question, though. Yeast propogate through asexual reproduction (budding). How would this change the picture in a GE sense?

[HogieWan]

Originally posted by BrewDog
One question, though. Yeast propogate through asexual reproduction (budding). How would this change the picture in a GE sense?

Yeast do reproduce sexually, under certain conditions - that's how most strains differentiate, though some do through mutation.

[blaskos]

Cool. Well i think i will pick that topic. As i finish the paper in a month or so then i will post it all. Thanks

[Bilbo Beergins]

How do you tell a boy yeast from a girl yeast?

[blaskos]

Originally posted by Bilbo Beergins
How do you tell a boy yeast from a girl yeast?

I dunno about the sexes part but yeast produce asexually or sexually depending on the conditions. Asexual reproduction is budding where it basically does an unequal division but divides necessary proteins and all the DNA. Sexual reproduction is just the joining of two spores???

I think this is right, if not correct me please!

[Bilbo Beergins]

No, I mean, does one have an "inny" and one have an "outty"? Does the girl spore become a raging maniac four days a month? Does the boy spore stick out his chest and suck in his gut when the girl spore floats by? What do they call their kids? Bif and Rif?