Tag: Eukaryote

Yeast has been harnessed for thousands of years, with evidence suggesting ancient Egyptians used it for leavening bread. While a common culinary staple, a frequent misconception arises regarding its classification: What bacteria are dry yeast? The answer is that dry yeast is not a bacterium at all, but rather a member of the Fungi kingdom.

Over 5,000 years ago, ancient Egyptians were already using yeast in baking, but the microorganisms weren't officially identified until much later. Specifically, Saccharomyces is a type of yeast, not a bacterium, a distinction with critical implications for everything from brewing to biology.