Yeast genetics provides an excellent model for the study of the genetics of growth in animal and plant cells. The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is similar to animal cells (e.g., similar length to the phases of its cell cycle, similarity of the chromosomal structures called telomeres). Another yeast, Saccharomyces pombe is rather more similar to plant cells (e.g., similarities in their patterns of division, and in organization of their genome).

As well as being a good model system to study the mechanics of eukaryotic cells, yeast is well suited for genetic studies. Yeasts are easy to work with in the laboratory. They have a rapid growth cycle (1.5 to 2 hours), so that many cycles can be studied in a day. Yeasts that are not a health threat are available, so the researcher is usually not in danger when handling the organisms. Yeasts exist that can be...