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* See also [[100% Lactobacillus Fermentation]].

''Lactobacillus'' generally prefers glucose, fructose, and maltose, and does not ferment maltotriose. Some species may prefer certain types of sugars over others. For example ''L. plantarum'' ferments glucose first, and then fructose if it is available. ''L. reuteri'' ferments maltose first, while ''L. brevis'' feeds on maltose, glucose, and fructose. Disaccharides such as sucrose and maltose enter the cells through specific types of membrane transport proteins called permeases, and are broken down into monosaccharides through phosphorolysis before they enter the normal carbohydrate metabolic pathway <ref name="peyer_review"></ref>. Peak sugar consumption without competition from yeast is typically 48 hours, and very little alcohol or CO2 is produced (around 0.10-0.30% ABV, far less than the 0.5% required for non-alcoholic drinks). Consumption of sugars occurs mainly during the 48 hour growth period, but also occurs after growth has stopped. No more than 0.5-1°P worth of sugar is consumed by ''Lactobacillus''. Rather than high residual sugar concentration being the limiting factor on growth it is thought that low pH and other metabolic byproducts weaken and finally stop the growth of ''Lactobacillus'' <ref name="Peyer"></ref>. For a chart and in depth discussion on what types of sugars are fermentable by different species of ''Lactobacillus'', as well as charts on secondary metabolites, see [http://phdinbeer.com/2015/04/13/physiology-of-flavors-in-beer-lactobacillus-species/ Matt Humbard's ''Physiology of Flavors in Beer – Lactobacillus Species'' blog article].

A small number of strains of ''Lactobacillus'' can also break down polysaccharides and starches. They are referred to as "amylolytic LAB". They generally belong to the species ''Lb. manihotivorans'', ''L. fermentum'', ''L. amylovorus'', ''L. amylophilus'', ''L. plantarum'' or ''L. amylolyticus''. This seems to be associated with a gene called "amyA", which encodes for extracellular alpha-amylase activity, as well as alpha-glucosidase, neopullulanase, amylopectin phosphorylase, and maltose phosphorylase. This activity is limited by high amounts of glucose, maltose, or sucrose <ref name="peyer_review"></ref>. Some species can also produce beta-glucosidase capable of breaking down monoglycosides (see [[Glycosides]]), but not diglycosides. The activity of both alpha and beta-glucosidase enzymes are stable at low pH ranges of 3-4, are generally encouraged by increasing percentages of alcohol all the way up to 12% v/v, and are optimal at 35-45°C (depending on strain) <ref>[http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2672.2005.02707.x/full Screening of Lactobacillus spp. and Pediococcus spp. for glycosidase activities that are important in oenology. A. Grimaldi, E. Bartowsky, V. Jiranek. 2005. DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2005.02707.x.]</ref>.

Both primary and secondary metabolites play a large role in the flavor and aroma profile of wort fermented with ''Lactobacillus''. Secondary metabolites are compounds that are not directly related to growth of an organism, but often assist with survival <ref>[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11036689 The natural functions of secondary metabolites. Demain AL, Fang A. 2000.]</ref>. These secondary metabolites are produced by the pathways mentioned above, and different strains probably regulate the enzymes involved in various pathways differently and produce different secondary metabolites <ref>Private correspondence with Richard Preiss from Dan Pixley. 12/29/2015.</ref>. Thus, different species and strains can produce a wide variety of flavors and aromas (compare this to food grade lactic acid in which none of these secondary metabolites exist). These secondary metabolite are the result of carbohydrate fermentation and amino acid metabolism <ref name="peyer_review"></ref>.

Aging has a large impact on the aromas and flavors produced by ''Lactobacillus'' fermentation over time and is typically influenced by temperature of the environment, oxygen exposure, and the byproducts of fermentation. Generally, fermentation has a positive effect on preserving some aroma and flavor compounds. Other compounds may change, causing aroma and flavor changes. For example, one study characterized wort freshly fermented with ''L. plantarum'' as "butter" and honey", and when aged as "yogurt" and "sour". In the same study, ''L. reuteri'' was characterized as "sour" when fresh, and "honey" and "pungent" when aged. ''L. brevis'' was characterized as "soy sauce" when fresh, and "yeasty" and "cider" when aged <ref name="Peyer"></ref>.

See the [[Lactobacillus#100.25_Lactobacillus_Fermentation|Elke Arendt video presentation above]] on the referenced study, starting at ~14:45.