Two studies published online in Genome Research show that scientists have analyzed the genome structures of bioethanol-producing microorganisms, uncovering genetic clues that will help speed up cellulosic ethanol production, according to Science Daily.

Bioethanol is produced from the fermentation of plant materials by the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

However, yeast strains thriving in the harsh conditions of industrial fuel ethanol production are more hardy than those used to make beer.

Researchers are trying to identify the genetic changes that underlie this adaptation, opening the potential to engineer new yeast strains for cellulosic ethanol production.

(Science Daily, Nov. 6, 2009)

(http://www.sciencedaily.com/…)

DTN: It can be costly and time-consuming to genetically engineer organisms that would make cellulosic ethanol production commercially viable. That's why many researchers are looking to a variety of known microbes and other organisms that have the natural ability to consume biomass quickly. In the case of Massachusetts-based Qteros the company discovered what it calls the Q Microbe. The bug has the unique ability to consume virtually any biomass and produce ethanol as a waste product. A discovery of this nature allows the company to hammer out engineering solutions to getting the microbe to produce large volumes of ethanol. (Todd Neeley)