It is a known fact that yeast catalyses the ethanol production processes. But, to assist in its more efficient production, MIT scientists have altered yeast genetically. With the help of this new genetically modified yeast, ethanol production was increased by 50 percent! as the researchers claimed.
Altering the yeast genome enabled the production of ethanol get faster! The over-expression of genes caused by the scientists helps it to continue to function in higher ethanol concentrations, also increasing the fermentation rate.
But, unlike plant modification in the wild — that could spread to neighboring plants — modifying yeasts can be carefully controlled in the lab.
