Alternative yeast nuclear code

Alternative Yeast Nuclear Code is a variant of the standard genetic code used by some species of yeast. This code is used in the nuclear genome of these organisms to translate mRNA sequences into proteins.

Overview

The Alternative Yeast Nuclear Code differs from the standard genetic code in that the codon CUG, which normally codes for the amino acid leucine in the standard code, is translated as serine in yeasts using the alternative code. This change is thought to have evolved in response to the unique metabolic demands of these organisms.

Species Using the Alternative Code

Several species of yeast, including Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis, use the Alternative Yeast Nuclear Code. These species are part of the Candida genus, which includes many pathogenic yeasts that can cause infections in humans.

Evolution

The evolution of the Alternative Yeast Nuclear Code is a subject of ongoing research. It is thought that the change from leucine to serine in the CUG codon may have provided a selective advantage to these yeasts, possibly by allowing them to produce proteins with different properties or functions.

Implications for Biotechnology

The Alternative Yeast Nuclear Code has implications for biotechnology, as it means that genetic sequences designed using the standard code may not be correctly translated in these yeasts. This has led to the development of specialized genetic engineering techniques for working with these organisms.

See Also

• Genetic code
• Codon
• Yeast
• Candida (genus)