Yeast was the first eukaryote organism to have its entire genome sequenced. It has remained at the forefront of genetics research because it is quick and easy to grow.
Transcript:
Yeast was the first eukaryote organism to have its entire genome sequenced. It has remained at the forefront of genetics research because it is quick and easy to grow with an 80 minute generation time. Unlike many other microorganisms, strains of S. cerevisiae have both a stable haploid and diploid state. This makes it easy to isolate recessive mutations. The cell cycle in yeast is very similar to the cell cycle in humans and is regulated by homologous proteins. The discovery in yeast of two close homologs of the mammalian ras proto-oncogene is evidence of conservation from the simple yeast organism to the complex human organism. By examining the yeast genome sequence, it is possible to estimate how many yeast genes have significant mammalian homologs.
Model organisms such as yeast, bacteria, the mouse and the fruit fly are used by researchers to study biological systems. The genomes of these organisms have been mapped and sequenced.
A human is a complicated organism, and it is considered unethical to do many kinds of experiments on human subjects. For these reasons, biologists often use simpler “model” organisms that are easy to keep and manipulate in the laboratory.
There are only 50 human genes that have no homolog in chimps. Differences between the two species are, therefore, due more to changes in gene regulation.
Nobel Prize week kicked-off today with the announcement of the Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Elizabeth Blackburn, Carol Greider, and Jack Szostak will share the award for discovering telomeres and telomerase. Dr. Bruce Stillman, President of Cold Sprin
The rat is an ideal research model because scientists have a deep understanding of rat physiological mechanisms. There are numerous rat models that mimic human diseases.
The microscopic roundworm, C. elegans, is an excellent model for understanding how cells divide, develop, and take on specialized tasks in higher (eukaryotic) organisms.