Yeast
Background

Why yeast?

Humans have been using yeast for at least 12,000 years to transform foods into new, different, and delicious forms such as bread, wine, and beer. The yeast species Saccharomyces cerevisiae in particular uses the process of fermentation to convert carbohydrates to carbon dioxide and alcohols. Although S. cerevisiae have been extremely well-studied, many questions remain about the specific types of conditions that favor ideal growth, and about what “ideal growth” even means when it comes to activities such as bread-baking.

Although it’s tempting to think that making a loaf of bread is a simple process, in reality it is a complex undertaking – so much so that there are entire scientific journals devoted to the studies of cereal science and technology!

A Question to Consider Before you Begin:

What kinds of conditions might you expect to favor optimal yeast growth? To answer this question, take some time to think about what “optimal yeast growth” might mean in the context of bread-baking. Then try to come up with a list of conditions, and also take a minute to elaborate on how you think each condition will specifically impact yeast growth. Before you begin your pilot experiment, take some time to discuss your list with your teammates.