Hanseniaspora is a genus of yeasts.
The genus name Hanseniaspora honours Emil Christian Hansen (1842–1909), who was a Danish mycologist and Zymology.
The genus is notable for its loss of many highly conserved genes responsible for cell cycle regulation and genome integrity, resulting in increased evolution rates and genome size reduction. It can be divided into two lineages: a faster-evolving lineage (FEL) diversifying about 87 mya, and a slower one diversifying about 52 mya. The FEL has more of such gene losses, resulting in more dramatic changes in the genome and inactivation of multiple metabolic pathways. However, it has managed to diversify and thrive, showing that life can function without such regulation.
Role in Fermentation
Due to their natural prevalence and resistance to osmotic pressure, several genera of
Hanseniaspora, particularly
H. vinae and
H. oenarum, are significant contributors to early wine fermentation.
However, as fermentation progresses and ethanol increases,
Hanseniaspora is outcompeted, although
H. osmophila is tolerable to ethanol concentrations of up to 11%.
The use of
H. vinae in wine fermentations has significant effects on end-product flavors. Compared to
S. cerevisiae,
H. vinae produces more monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and acetoin. The primary olfactory contribution is 2-phenylethyl acetate, characterized by a floral, honey scent. In addition,
H. vinae fermentation is marked by lower higher alcohols, ethyl esters, and medium chain fatty acids.
Species
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Hanseniaspora clermontiae
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Hanseniaspora gamundiae
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Hanseniaspora guilliermondii
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Hanseniaspora lachancei
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Hanseniaspora lindneri
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Hanseniaspora meyeri
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Hanseniaspora mollemarum
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Hanseniaspora nectarophila
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Hanseniaspora occidentalis
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Hanseniaspora opuntiae
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Hanseniaspora osmophila
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Hanseniaspora pseudoguilliermondii
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Hanseniaspora smithiae
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Hanseniaspora uvarum
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Hanseniaspora valbyensis
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Hanseniaspora vineae
See also
