Why is S. cerevisiae a model organism?
S. cerevisiae is currently one of the most used model organisms for modern cellular biology. It not only can tolerate a large range of environmental conditions but is easily obtained from fruits, flowers etc. During the year 1996 the entire haploid S. cerevisiae yeast genome was the first eukaryote to be sequenced completely. The DNA sequence was determined to have sixteen chromosomes and to encode sixty two hundred genes in total. After this discovery a whole new approach to cell research could be analyzed on an entire whole genome basis. There were many proteins that were encoded in the genome that had surprisingly similar functional homology to other eukaryotes. This discovery has lead to the determination of many physiological processes in eukaryotic cells that were unknown in the past. An example includes being able to encode the steps that are necessary in the synthesis of amino acids. By encoding protein sequences as well it was discovered that more than thirty percent of known proteins had significant homology to that of proteins from other species. Using homologus recombination can also do gene replacement, which allows genes to be easily deleted or manipulated which aids in the determination of a particular genes function.
Ease of Use
Short generation time (1.5-2hr) - quick and easy to culture
Cost effective
Cost effective
Human/ Plant Cell Homology
Comparable to human and plant cell structures
Less non-coding DNA than found in eukaryotes
Less non-coding DNA than found in eukaryotes
Versatility
Can undergo homologous recombination
Has a haploid form that lends itself well to creation of gene knockout strains
Has a haploid form that lends itself well to creation of gene knockout strains