Abstract
Biogeography is the descriptive and explanatory study of spatial patterns and processes involved in the distribution of biodiversity. Without biogeography, it would be difficult to study the diversity of microorganisms because there would be no way to visualize patterns in variation. Saccharomyces cerevisiae, “the wine yeast,” is the most important species involved in alcoholic fermentation, and in vineyard ecosystems, it follows the principle of “everything is everywhere.” Agricultural practices such as farming (organic versus conventional) and floor management systems have selected different populations within this species that are phylogenetically distinct. In fact, recent ecological and geographic studies highlighted that unique strains are associated with particular grape varieties in specific geographical locations. These studies also highlighted that significant diversity and regional character, or ‘terroir,’ have been introduced into the winemaking process via this association. This diversity of wild strains preserves typicity, the high quality, and the unique flavor of wines. Recently, different molecular methods were developed to study population dynamics of S. cerevisiae strains in both vineyards and wineries. In this review, we will provide an update on the current molecular methods used to reveal the geographical distribution of S. cerevisiae wine yeast.
Highlights
One of the most important issues in ecological studies is the determination of microbial biodiversity distribution and the understanding of whether microorganisms are cosmopolitan or endemic to a specific area or host (Ramette and Tiedje, 2007)
Different molecular methods were developed to study population dynamics of S. cerevisiae strains in both vineyards and wineries
We will provide an update on the current molecular methods used to reveal the geographical distribution of S. cerevisiae wine yeast
Summary
One of the most important issues in ecological studies is the determination of microbial biodiversity distribution and the understanding of whether microorganisms are cosmopolitan or endemic to a specific area or host (Ramette and Tiedje, 2007). The different S. cerevisiae isolates are characterized by large genetic and phenotypic variations, providing a powerful tool for quantitative genetic studies (Liti et al, 2009) This apparent variation is likely because some studies were performed on laboratory strains, which are highly adapted to artificial conditions and do not represent the true ecological diversity of the species (Steinmetz et al, 2002; Ehrenreich et al, 2010). Camarasa et al (2011) related the metabolic traits of S. cerevisiae strains with their origins These strains were isolated from seven different niches (baker, clinical, fermentation processes, laboratory, vineyard, natural, and commercial wine yeasts). This yeast is adapted to the harsh conditions in grape musts and grapes (high sugar concentration, increasing alcohol concentration, acidity, presence of sulfites, anaerobiosis, and progressive depletion of essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, vitamins, and lipids), and its genome has been modeled, so the understanding of the adaptation phenomenon to the wine environment is a key element in wine yeast genome research (Blondin et al, 2011)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
