Abstract

Kathiresan Kandasamy*, Nabeel M. Alikunhi and Manivannan Subramanian

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.