Acetobacter and Schizosaccharomyces Science Image

Ref: 80012499



Coloured scanning electron micrograph of Acetobacter bacteria and Schizosaccharomyces yeast cells in a culture of "Kombucha" tea. Acetobacter (purple) is rod-shaped, Gram-negative and motile. It is one of the acetic acid bacteria. Schizosaccharomyces (oval) is a yeast fungus. The bacteria & fungi are in a cellulose matrix (strands). These bacteria & yeast cells are used in the making of Kombucha, a fermented tea originating from Russia. Strong tea sweetened with sugar has a culture of the bacteria and yeast added to it. The tea ferments and is thought to have health giving properties. Magnification: x2770 at 6x7cm.