Molecular characterisation of Hanseniaspora species

The sequences of the internal transcribed spacers (ITS regions) and the 5.8 S rRNA gene, together with the electrophoretic karyotypes of 27 strains rep resentative of the six species belonging to the genus Hanseniaspora, were e xamined. From the analysis of the 5.8S rRNA gene and the ITS regions, the g enus Hanseniaspora is monophyletic and can be divided into two subgroups. T his subdivision was supported by electrophoretic chromosome patterns. Hanse niaspora guilliermondii, H. uvarum and H. valbyensis show 6-7 bands (8 to 9 chromosomes), while the second group comprises the species H. occidentalis , H. osmophila and H. vineae which have only 5 chromosomes.