Abstract: In this study, the whole‑genome sequence of Schizosaccharomyces pombe JM2‑5, isolated from Nongxiangxing Baijiu Daqu, was obtained the Illumina NovaSeq and PacBio Sequel platforms. Its genetic background and metabolic potential were systematically explored through functional annotation, analysis of metabolic pathways related to acid and alcohol production, and comparative genomic analysis. The genome of JM2‑5 was 12.63 Mb in size with a GC content of 36.09%. Functional annotation showed that the genome contained numerous genes involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and amino acids, providing plentiful precursors for ester synthesis. Metabolic pathway reconstruction indicated the strain had complete metabolic networks ​ enabling the synthesis of ethanol, acetic acid, and lactic acid, and various short-chain fatty acids from sugars. Multiple genes encoding esterases (carboxylesterase, arylesterase, and feruloyl esterase) and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) transporters were identified; some esterases were predicted to be localized extracellularly, suggesting the strain’s potential for synergistic intracellular and extracellular ester production. Comparative genomic analysis further revealed that JM2‑5 retains core gene clusters of S. pombe for environmental stress response and exhibits significant expansion of gene families related to DNA repair (e.g., nucleotide excision repair of UV damage), which may provide an important genetic basis for the adaptation of JM2‑5 to the complex environment of Daqu. In conclusion, S. pombe JM2‑5 possesses strong capabilities for acid production, alcohol production, and ester synthesis, and its genomic characteristics provide a genetic foundation for elucidating​ the ester-producing mechanism and biological functions of this strain during Baijiu brewing.

Key words: Schizosaccharomyces pombe; esterase; whole genome; Baijiu; ester compounds