Genetically stable allopolyploid somatic fusion product useful in the production of fuel alcohols

摘要

The present invention relates to a stable, allopolyploid, somatic fusion product useful in the fermentation arts and especially in the production of fuel alcohols. More particularly, the present invention relates to a novel allopolyploid yeast strain, Saccharomyces diastaticus NCYC 1460, which is the product of the spheroplast fusion of: (a) a hybrid, diploid strain of Sacch.diastaticus; and (b) a fusion partner which is a polyploid brewing yeast strain of the species Saccharomyces uvarum (carlsbergensis). The fusion product of the present invention is capable of an enhanced rate of fermentation and a generally higher degree of final attenuation than is typical of either of the fusion partners. Moreover the fusion product also evidences enhanced osmo- and thermo-tolerances and its multiple, non-allelic DEX gene complement renders the organism well suited to the fermentation of substrates containing dextrins and oligosaccharides.