Abstract
Introduction: The use of yeasts in various fields dates back to thousands of years ago, but their biological significance has only recently been discovered. Genomes of many members of this relatively small group have been sequenced, and the consequent studies on them and on various cell processes have revealed similarities between yeast species Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe, and other eukaryotes, suggesting that they may be used as eukaryotic model organisms. Methods: A literature search was conducted investigating general yeast characteristics, genetics and physiology, as well as modern applications in biomedical research as model organisms. Results: Yeasts have many traits that make them especially favorable in research: they can easily be cultivated in laboratory conditions where their metabolism may be altered by tweaking the growth medium properties. Additionally, analyzing the yeast and human genome sequences has revealed astonishing similarities, with many successfully mapped homologous genes. Discussion: By varying environmental conditions of a S. cerevisiae culture, it was found that such treatments could affect respiration in yeast. Proving useful in research of antifungal drugs and interactions between fungal pathogens and hosts, yeast was also used as a model for studying prion related diseases, Alzheimer’s disease and cancer, amongst others. Conclusion: With all the yeast characteristics—their simple requirements for growth, their genome and metabolism similar to other eukaryotes, and their use in studying varying disease conditions—it is understandable and clear why yeasts are such widely used model organisms. Considering recent advancements, their application in biomedical research will inevitably increase over time.
Highlights
The use of yeasts in various fields dates back to thousands of years ago, but their biological significance has only recently been discovered
Of all the model organisms more closely related to humans than yeast, why would someone choose to use this unicellular fungus to study a human process? This paper aims to explore and compare why and how yeast can be used to model, and research human physiological conditions compared to other existing model organisms, and why it is so commonly used
A literature search was conducted for articles describing basic yeast characteristics and historical uses, their physiology, genetics, more recent discoveries, and where different yeast species are used in research
Summary
The use of yeasts in various fields dates back to thousands of years ago, but their biological significance has only recently been discovered. Conclusion: With all the yeast characteristics—their simple requirements for growth, their genome and metabolism similar to other eukaryotes, and their use in studying varying disease conditions—it is understandable and clear why yeasts are such widely used model organisms. Considering recent advancements, their application in biomedical research will inevitably increase over time. Long before performing research or finding their application in biotechnology, humans have used yeast in food production, including in the fermentation of beers, ciders, wines, cheese, and other products [2] While they are still used in such cases and in agriculture, novel biomedical applications of yeasts have created new opportunities for research. This is well illustrated by the fact that four Nobel Prizes were awarded between 2001 and
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
