Growing Saccharomyces

Saccharomyces is the scientific classification for a group of fungi that includes many types of yeast. Several yeasts of the saccharomyces genus are essential to the production of food and beverages. Saccharomyces cerevisiae is used to make both beer and bread, while Saccharomyces bayanus is used to make wine and cider. Uncomplicated, single-celled organisms, colonies of saccharomyces are fairly simple to grow, making them a popular choice for use in the microbiology lab.

Grow Saccharomyces

• 1

  Pour 2 teaspoons of clear corn syrup into a clean bowl. According to information published on Microbiology Bytes, Saccharomyces cells can break down carbohydrates and use the energy they contain to grow and reproduce. This makes simple sugars, such as those found in corn syrup, an ideal growth medium for a new colony.

• 2

  Add 4¼ cups of distilled water and stir until the syrup is completely dissolved.

• 3

  Transfer the syrup solution into containers. Saccharomyces can be successfully grown in flasks, bottles, test tubes or small dishes. Whichever you choose, be sure the container is made of clear plastic or glass as this allows for easy observation of the growth of the colony.

• 4

  Immerse a cotton swab into the syrup solution. Then insert the swab into a packet of yeast. The moisture on the cotton will cause the yeast to stick to the swab. Place the yeast-coated swab back into the syrup solution and swirl it several times, transferring the yeast into the growth medium.

• 5

  Repeat the transfer procedure with each container, effectively placing Saccharomyces cells into each one.

• 6

  Cover each container to prevent contamination. Use breathable materials such as cotton batting so oxygen can enter and gases generated as waste can escape.

• 7

  Place the sealed containers in a warm location to encourage rapid growth and development of the new colonies. Saccharomyces can survive in temperatures of up to 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

• 8

  Wait 24 hours and visually inspect the containers. If the syrup solution looks cloudy, this indicates that the colony is growing. Saccharomyces are known for their rapid growth; the average colony reaches full maturity in just three days.