FAS2 Week 3

Gene Info

Why This Gene?

We chose this gene after reading an article that summarized the findings of an interesting study on yeast genes that impart flavor in beer and wine during the brewing process. This particular gene was one of two genes that were identified as producing higher levels of a compound called phenylethyl acetate, which imparts a flavor reminiscent of rose or honey. FAS2 was one of those two genes; it is responsible for encoding the alpha subunit of fatty acid synthase, an enzyme that is unsurprisingly involved in fatty acid synthesis. We thought it would be interesting to explore this gene as it is also essential for the synthesis of essential fatty acids, such as palmitic acid, which is the most common fatty acid present in eukaryotes.

References

1. Researchers identify the yeast genes behind rose and honeyed flavors in beer and wine (2017, November 7) retrieved 16 September 2019 from https://phys.org/news/2017-11-yeast-genes-rose- honeyed-flavors.html