Yeast genetics are a hot topic of study within molecular biology circles. The complete sequence of the genome in certain yeast microorganisms have proved to be a very relevant reference towards human genes and the many mysteries that they contain. This method of comparative study into objects that share ancestry is know as homology and is a great way to shed new light onto our knowledge of human biology. Such important and groundbreaking research into subjects such as DNA replication and cell division have been studied effectively by using and comparing yeast cells to those of humans.

 

 

Yeasts are a fungi, a growth form of unicellular microorganisms typically between 3-4 micrometres in size. Yeast cells have been widely studied in relation to human genetics as the cell cycle in a yeast cell is very similar to that in a human cell. Because of this similarity, the basic cellular mechanics of recombination, metabolism, cell division and DNA replication are comparable between yeasts and humans. Yeasts are also relatively easy to work with and can be manipulated and cultured in a laboratory environment fairly easily.

During the past two decades, more and more molecular biologists have taken up yeast study as one of their primary research systems. These studies have been altered and improved since 1996 when the DNA sequence of the complete genome of S. cerevisae was completed, the first eukaryote to have its genome fully mapped. The completion of this sequence has made huge inroads for the possibilities of yeast genetics projects for the future, and there are many paths that this research could go down in coming years. Molecular biology approached through the study of yeast cells can give us a better understanding of many natural human processes and diseases.

Along with the scientific and technical problems that may be encountered when embarking on this field of study, there may also be financial pressures that have to be dealt with. Developing funding (fundraising idea) for a yeast genetics project can be a challenge, although one well worth pursuing due to the benefits outlined above. Most funding for scientific research comes from one of two sources, either from the research and development departments of private corporations and universities, or directly from government sources. Applying for funding is crucial for a project to succeed and a lot of senior researchers spend a great deal of time looking for the appropriate funding grants.

Some faculty positions require a researcher to have been successful in receiving grants before they are hired. In this way getting funding (fundraising) can be seen as a source of merit and prestige as well as a practical measure needed for the completion of a project. Receiving certain grants and funding from particular organisations can help a project to gain exposure and ultimate success as it is an acknowledgment of the importance of the work. There are many yeast genetics projects being carried out that can help with the knowledge of human conditions and diseases. The continued funding of these projects along with new funding for future research is absolutely essential in order for humans to further our insight into our natural biological processes.