ISSN 2736-1756
Advanced Journal of Microbiology Research Vol. 2011
Available online at http://internationalscholarsjournals.org/journal/ajmr
© 2011 International Scholars Journals
Review
Yeasts in marine and estuarine environments
Kathiresan Kandasamy*, Nabeel M. Alikunhi and Manivannan Subramanian
Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Annamalai University,
Parangipettai: 608502, Tamil Nadu, India.
Accepted 14 July, 2011
Abstract
Yeasts and other fungi are prevalent in marine and estuarine ecosystems where they play an important role in the food web. Marine yeasts are unique in performing fermentations under high salt concentrations. The mechanism underlying the high salt tolerance involves the ability to accumulate high concentrations of sodium without becoming intoxicated, and the exclusion of excessive sodium from the cytoplasm. Overall, the yeasts play major roles in fermentation, enzyme technology, pollution control, micro sensors, and in some medicinal and medical applications.
Key words: Marine yeast, deep sea, estuarine, mangrove, association.