ASSESSMENT OF PHENOTYPIC AND GENETIC DIVERSITY IN THE YEAST GENUS METSCHNIKOWIA

The taxonomy of the yeast genus Metschnikowia has undergone profound c hanges over the past century. Major developments, from the capacity to obtain pure cultures of parasitic species to progress associated with the extensive use of molecular biology tools in yeast systematics, ar e briefly reviewed, Results from past work and new data are combined t o evaluate evolutionary relationships and clarify the classification o f both terrestrial and aquatic species. Recent physiological studies, including the utilization of non-conventional carbon and nitrogen sour ces, and characteristics like lipolytic activity and maximum temperatu res for growth, are presented. The assessment of the genetic diversity within the genus by restriction analysis of the mitochondrial DNA and by the production of specific DNA probes has been explored. The resul ts indicate the potential application of the latter in rapid identific ation procedures.