Twelve lactose-assimilating strains of the yeast species Kluyveromyces marxianus and its varieties marxianus, lactis and bulgaricus were studied with respect to transport mechanisms for lactose, glucose and galactose, fermentation of these sugars and the occurrence of extracellular lactose hydrolysis. The strains fell into three groups. Group I (two strains): Fermentation of lactose, glucose and galactose, extracellular lactose hydrolysis, apparent facilitated diffusion of glucose and galactose; Group II (two strains): Lactose not fermented, glucose and galactose fermented and transported by an apparent proton symport, extracellular hydrolysis of lactose present (one strain) or questionable; Group III (eight strains): Lactose, glucose and galactose fermented, lactose transported by an apparent proton symport mechanism, extracellular hydrolysis of lactose and transport modes for glucose and galactose variable.