Saccharomyces paradoxus is a tree fungus closely related to the yeast used to make bread and beer. A new genetic mapping study shows that samples of S. paradoxus taken from across eastern North America are genetically distinct from each other, and that each grows best in the conditions that match its native habitat. This suggest that even though S. paradoxus is found almost everywhere, individual strains are locally adapted and could be affected by changing climate just like macroscopic organisms.
Original research article published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences on January 7, 2014
Names and affiliations of selected authors:
Jean-Baptiste Leducq, Université Laval
