Ploidy variation in Kluyveromyces marxianus separates dairy and non-dairy isolates. Kluyveromyces marxianus

In this study, we set out to explore the genomic diversity of Kluyveromyces marxianus by analysing whole-genome data from 14 strains isolated from different sources. Some of these strains had been previously sequenced and published, here we deposit only those newly sequenced for this study. The results indicate a high degree of variation among isolates, in both ploidy and heterozygosity, and show a correlation between ploidy and environmental niche. Our work raises important questions about the life cycle of K. marxianus, and emphasizes the need to take ploidy and heterozygosity into account when considering using K. marxianus for biotechnological purposes.