Yeast
A group of single-celled fungi that reproduce by budding.
Most yeast are harmless (some are used in baking and brewing). Yeast is commonly present on normal human skin and in areas of moisture, such as the mouth and vagina, usually without causing any problems.
However, yeast can produce disease in people. For example, the yeast Candida (once called Monilia) causes thrush (oral infection) and diaper rash in infants, fingernail infections, vaginal area infections in women after puberty, and a host of problems in patients with immune deficiency.
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- Yeast artificial chromosome (YAC)
A vector (carrier) created and used in the laboratory to clone pieces of DNA. A YAC is constructed from the telomeric, centromeric, and replication origin sequences needed for replication in yeast cells. (The telomere is the end of the chromosome; the centromere is the chromosome region to which spindle fibers attach during cell division; and […]
- Yeast diaper rash
Infection in the diaper area of a baby that is caused by a yeast called Candida. Certain conditions, such as antibiotic use or excessive moisture, can upset the balance of microbes and allow an overgrowth of Candida. The infected skin is usually fiery red with areas that may have a raised red border.
- Yeast infection
Overgrowth of yeast can affect the skin (yeast rash), mouth (thrush), digestive tract, esophagus, vagina (vaginitis), and other parts of the body. Yeast infections occur most frequently in moist areas of the body. Although Candida albicans and other Candida yeasts are the most frequent offenders, other yeast groups are known to cause illness, primarily in […]
- Yeast genome
All of the genetic information contained in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). The genomes of particular nonhuman organisms such as yeast have been studied for a number of reasons including the need to improve sequencing and analysis techniques. These nonhuman genomes also provide powerful sets of data against which to compare the human genome. For example, a […]
- Yeast rash
A slightly raised pink-to-red rash that is caused by proliferation of yeast, usually in a moist area such as the groin. Yeast rash is most common in infants, but it can also occur on the skin of older children and adults. Treatment involves keeping the affected area clean and dry and applying topical antifungal medication. […]