Yeast - Science Sixth Grade

What is Yeast?

Yeast is a type of fungus that belongs to the kingdom Fungi. It is a single-celled organism that is classified under the division Ascomycota. Yeast is widely used in baking and brewing due to its ability to ferment sugars and produce carbon dioxide and alcohol.

Structure of Yeast

Yeast cells are typically oval or spherical in shape, and they are microscopic, ranging from 3 to 4 micrometers in diameter. They have a cell wall, cytoplasm, and a nucleus. The cytoplasm contains various organelles, including mitochondria, which play a crucial role in the process of respiration and energy production.

Reproduction of Yeast

Yeast reproduces asexually through a process called budding. During budding, a small daughter cell forms on the surface of the parent cell and eventually separates to become a new individual. Under certain conditions, yeast can also reproduce sexually through the formation of spores.

Uses of Yeast

Yeast is utilized in the production of bread, beer, wine, and other fermented products. In baking, yeast is responsible for the leavening of the dough, leading to the production of carbon dioxide gas, which causes the dough to rise. In brewing, yeast is essential for the fermentation of sugars to produce alcohol and carbon dioxide.