Genetic mutations in yeast

Researchers from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Thiruvananthapuram, have found that blue light can greatly increase the number of genetic mutations in yeast. Since yeast is a popular model organism in biology, the findings suggest prolonged exposure to blue light could also pose similar risks to other organisms. (Source: The Hindu)

What is Yeast?

• Type: Single-celled fungus
• Shape: Egg-shaped, microscopic
• Weight Fact: ~20 billion yeast cells weigh just 1 gram
• Energy Source: Yeast digests food to extract energy

Reproduction in Yeast

• Asexual Budding (most common):
  • A small bump forms on the parent cell
  • Grows, matures, and detaches as a new cell
• Fission (less common):
  • Parent cell divides into two equal cells
• Torula Genus:
  • A wild yeast genus
  • Known as imperfect fungi — they don’t form sexual spores

Uses of Yeast

• Bread Baking:
  • Yeast ferments sugars in flour
  • Produces carbon dioxide, which gets trapped in elastic dough
  • Causes dough to rise
• Beer Brewing:
  • Yeast ferments sugars
  • Produces alcohol and carbon dioxide
  • Essential for both flavor and alcohol content