Yeast Growth in Relation to the Dissolved Oxygen and Sterol Content of Wort

The extent of the requirement for oxygen in cells of brewing yeast is determined by the availability of oxygen during propagation. Cells with no oxygen requirement ferment satisfactorily when added to either air-saturated or de-aerated wort. Cells produced during fermentation develop an oxygen-requirement and ferment poorly when added to de-aerated wort because of restriction of both rate and extent of exponential growth. The quantity of dissolved oxygen needed to ensure satisfactory growth varies greatly with yeast strain. In all cases examined, the oxygen requirement can be eliminated by addition to the growth medium of ergosterol and Tween 80 However Tween 80 alone is without effect. It seems likely that oxygen is required because it is essential for biosynthesis of sterols.