Ashbya gossypii

Ashbya gossypii, also known as Eremothecium gossypii, is a filamentous fungus that is widely used in biotechnology and genetic research. It is a member of the Saccharomycetaceae family and is closely related to the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Taxonomy

Ashbya gossypii was first described by American mycologist Charles Thom in 1934. It was later reclassified as Eremothecium gossypii based on its morphological and physiological characteristics. However, the original name Ashbya gossypii is still commonly used in scientific literature.

Biology

Ashbya gossypii is a haploid organism that reproduces asexually through the formation of spores. It has a filamentous growth form, which is unusual among yeasts but common in other types of fungi. The organism is capable of fermentation, a process that it shares with Saccharomyces cerevisiae and other yeasts.

Use in Biotechnology

Ashbya gossypii is used in biotechnology for the production of riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2. The fungus is capable of producing large amounts of this vitamin, which is then extracted and used in food and pharmaceutical products.

Genetic Research

The genome of Ashbya gossypii has been fully sequenced, making it a valuable tool for genetic research. The organism's close relationship to Saccharomyces cerevisiae allows scientists to use it as a model for studying yeast genetics and biology.

See Also

• Saccharomyces cerevisiae
• Fungus
• Biotechnology
• Genetic research