SCIENCE
A sexual reproduction
A major discovery took place just before World War II at the Carlsberg Research Laboratory in Copenhagen. Professor Øjvind Winge found out that microorganisms, specifically yeast, have sex. It might sound a bit strange, but Winge discovered that yeast could reproduce sexually, and in doing so, he was able to breed entirely new types of yeast. This would go on to create a whole new field that we now know as genetic engineering. But let's rewind to the beginning.
The master of genetics
Øjvind Winge (1886-1964) was a Danish botanist and geneticist, and Denmark's leading professor of genetics at the Agricultural University from 1921-1933. He was head of the physiological department at Carlsberg Research Laboratory from 1933-1956.
Øjvind Winge's most important discovery during his time at Carlsberg Research Laboratory was uncovering that yeast undergoes true sexual reproduction, making it possible to cross different species and strains of yeast. For Carlsberg, this meant that different types of yeast could now be produced for brewing with unique fermenting properties and flavour profiles.
Impact beyond beer
Øjvind Winge's discovery impacted far more than beer brewing. Yeast and fermentation are found in a multitude of industries—just think of baking, wine, and more. Winge’s passion for breeding also extended to the cultivation of malt barley and hops. His pioneering hop is still growing in Carlsberg’s Hop Garden at the Carlsberg Research Laboratory, where it’s used to develop new aromas for our beers.
How does beer brewing relate to Guppy fish?
Around the same time, Winge demonstrated sexual reproduction in yeast, he was also studying genetics, colour, and sex determination in the world’s most popular aquarium fish—the guppy. His research on guppy fish strains led to the guppy becoming a model organism for other experimental programs on sexuality and classical genetics in vertebrates. See more about this in the video below.