yeast genome

The yeast genome refers to the complete set of genetic instructions contained within yeast cells, specifically the Saccharomyces cerevisiae species commonly used in baking and brewing. It consists of about 12 million DNA base pairs arranged in 16 chromosomes, encoding approximately 6,000 genes. These genes direct the yeast's growth, reproduction, and metabolism. Because yeast has a relatively simple and well-studied genome, it serves as an important model in biology to understand basic genetic processes and gene functions that often relate to higher organisms, including humans.