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===Carbohydrate Metabolism===
''P. damnosus'' can ferment glucose, sucrose, and galactose. Some strains of ''P. damnosus'' can ferment maltose and sucrose <ref name="ucdavis"></ref>. The disaccharide trehalose is the preferred carbon source for Pediococci <ref name="Geissler"></ref>. While simple sugars are the primary food source for ''Pediococcus'', many strains of ''P. damnosus'' have been observed to produce varying degrees of both alpha and beta-glucosidase enzymes. Alpha-glucosidase enzymes have the ability to break down higher chain sugars, including dextrins, starches, and glucans (possibly even the glucans that are produced by ''P. damnosus'' that result in ropy beer). The types of beta-glucosidase enzymes produced by ''P. damnosus'' are thought to perhaps play a role in breaking down monoglycosidic bonds (see [[File:Pedio sugarsGlycosides]]), but cannot break down the more complex diglycosidic bonds which are needed to break down many glycosides that would release flavor and aroma compounds. Compared to the microbe ''Oenococcus oeni'' which is often used in wine and cider fermentation (malolactic fermentation) and has been shown to have more impactful beta-glucosidase activity, ''P. damnosus'' is thought to be less impactful on glycosides. Unlike ''O. oeni'' which decreases its enzymatic activity in low pH conditions, enzymatic activity of ''P. damnosus'' is very stable at a pH of 3-4. Very low concentrations of glucose or fructose (1 g/l) inhibit this enzymatic activity in ''P. damnosus''. The presence of alcohol inhibits the alpha-glucosidase activity in most strains, which might contribute to longer lasting ropiness in beer. The optimal temperature for enzymatic activity in ''P.JPG|thumb|left|Pedio fermentables damnosus'' is between 35-40°C (95-104°F) <ref>Wine Microbiology[http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2672.2005.02707.x/full Screening of Lactobacillus spp. Practical Applications and ProceduresPediococcus spp. for glycosidase activities that are important in oenology. A. Grimaldi, E. Bartowsky, V. Jiranek. Kenneth C2005. Fugelsang, Charles G DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2005.02707. Edwardsx.]</ref>]].
==="Ropy" or "Sick" Beer===