Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypeptide having a modified amino acid sequence of 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (hereinafter abbreviated as GND) derived from a microorganism belonging to the genus Corynebacterium, said modification being substitution of the amino acid residue(s) at the position(s) corresponding to the 158th and/or the 361st amino acid(s) of the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1, and having GND activity; DNA encoding the polypeptide; a recombinant DNA comprising the DNA; a transformant carrying the recombinant DNA; a microorganism carrying the DNA on the chromosome; and a process for producing a useful substance which comprises culturing the transformant or the microorganism in a medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides yeast belonging to the genus Saccharomyces which generates, in dough containing 5% sugar, carbon dioxide gas in an amount of not less than 2.0 ml per g of the dough and not less than 1.20 ml per ml of volume expansion of the dough at 38° C. in 60 minutes; a method of screening for the yeast; bread dough containing the yeast; a process for making bread using the yeast; and bread having an anti-mold effect which is obtained by the process.

Abstract: A meat extract is provided such that it contains no detectable microorganisms other than spore-forming bacteria and includes 60 mmol/l or more of phosphate ion, preferably 60 to 500 mmol/l, more preferably 70 to 500 mmol/l, and even more preferably 70 to 200 mmol/l. Also a process for producing a meat extract is provided. The process includes obtaining a liquid extract from a material containing muscle tissues or bone tissues of livestock; adjusting the phosphate ion concentration of the liquid extract to 60 mmol/I or more; and then sterilizing at ultra-high temperature (UHT sterilization).