Microbial Domestication Review

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to microbial domestication discussed in the lecture.

Domestication

The evolutionary process of selectively breeding and managing species for human benefit.

Domestication syndrome

Phenotypic changes observed in domesticated species, including altered behaviors and physical traits.

Habituation

A pathway to domestication involving the acclimatization of organisms to human environments.

Partnership

A domestication pathway characterized by collaborative relationships between humans and other organisms.

Directed breeding

An intentional selection process employed to enhance specific traits in domesticated species.

Commensal pathway

A route of domestication that arises when a species benefits from living in close association with humans.

Genotypic results of domestication

Changes at the genetic level due to domestication, such as polyploidy and gene loss.

Polyploidy

The condition of having more than two complete sets of chromosomes, often observed in domesticated species.

Admixture

The process of mixing genetic material from different populations, common in domesticated organisms.

HGT (Horizontal Gene Transfer)

The transfer of genetic material between organisms in a manner other than traditional reproduction, important in microbial domestication.

S. cerevisiae

A species of yeast known for its role in fermentation and multiple domestication events.

Malolactic fermentation

A process in winemaking involving the conversion of malic acid to lactic acid, often performed by Oenococcus oeni.

Lactic acid bacteria

Bacteria that produce lactic acid as a primary end product of fermentation; important in food processing.

Filamentous fungi

Fungi that form multicellular filaments (hyphae), often used in food production like cheese.

Beneficial microbes

Microorganisms that provide advantageous effects, such as aiding in fermentation or nutrient absorption.

Microbial domestication pathways

Various routes through which microbes have been adapted to human uses, including habituation, partnership, and directed breeding.

Biorefineries

Facilities that convert organic material into usable products, utilizing specially domesticated microbes.

Fusarium graminearum

A filamentous fungus used as a source of mycoprotein, a meat alternative.

Yeast species diversity in beer

The use of various yeast species in brewing to enhance flavors and characteristics of beer.

Saccharomyces

A genus of yeasts, including species used in baking and brewing, significant in microbial domestication.