Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026

Genetic Engineering of an Unconventional Yeast for Renewable Biofuel and Biochemical Production
Published on: September 20, 2016
Marine Yeasts for Biotechnology: Potential Applications and Insights from Comparisons with Terrestrial Yeasts
Woon-Jong Yu1, Ha Young Lee1, Hyein Jin1
1Department of Biological Application and Technology, National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea (MABIK), Seocheon 33662, Republic of Korea.
None:
Marine yeasts have attracted increasing interest as potential resources for biotechnology. However, direct comparative studies between marine and terrestrial yeasts remain limited, and the extent to which marine yeasts provide advantages beyond conventional terrestrial yeasts remains unclear. In this review, we synthesize current knowledge of marine yeasts based on approximately 130 publications in the field by organizing the literature into six major themes: comparative studies with terrestrial yeasts, environmental adaptation, metabolic and functional diversity, diversity and distribution, genomic resources, and genetic engineering. Available evidence indicates that marine yeasts possess adaptive traits associated with marine environments, including tolerance to salinity, low temperature, high pressure, and environmental contaminants. These adaptive traits support the use of marine yeasts in seawater-based biofuel production, bioremediation, and the production of enzymes and biosurfactants for saline or other environmentally challenging conditions. We also summarize recent advances in genomics, genetic engineering, and taxonomy that provide useful resources for future studies of marine yeasts. Overall, this review highlights current knowledge of marine yeasts while identifying key gaps that require further comparative investigation with terrestrial yeasts.
Related Concept Videos
Bioreactor Controls-III
Overview of Archaea
Microbes in Food Production
Microbial Fermentation
Microbes in Beverage Production
Yeast Signaling

