What is meant by yeast? Give its examples.

Yeast is a type of fungus that belongs to the kingdom Fungi. Yeasts are single-celled microorganisms known for their ability to ferment sugars, which means they can convert sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide through a process called fermentation. This property is commonly utilized in various applications, such as baking, brewing, and winemaking.

Here are a few examples of yeast:

Saccharomyces cerevisiae: This is one of the most well-known and widely used yeast species. It is commonly used in baking to leaven bread and in brewing to ferment beer and wine. Saccharomyces cerevisiae is sometimes referred to as "brewer's yeast" or "baker's yeast."

Candida spp.: Various Candida species are used in industrial processes and research. For example, Candida utilis is used in the production of single-cell protein, while Candida albicans is a yeast species that can be pathogenic and cause infections in humans.

Saccharomyces boulardii: This yeast is used as a probiotic and is known for its potential health benefits in supporting digestive health. It can help restore the balance of beneficial microorganisms in the gut.

Pichia pastoris: This yeast is commonly used in biotechnology and molecular biology research for the production of recombinant proteins and other biotechnological applications.

Kluyveromyces lactis: This yeast is used in the production of dairy products, such as cheese and buttermilk, due to its ability to ferment lactose.

These are just a few examples of yeast species, and there are many more found in various natural environments, each with its own unique characteristics and applications. Yeasts play a crucial role in various aspects of food production, biotechnology, and scientific research.