Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a Model Organism to Study Mitochondrial Biology

Abstract

Budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is widely used to study mitochondrial biogenesis and function. We review some basic properties that make yeast an ideal model organism to investigate various aspects of mitochondrial biology. We discuss genetic features of commonly used yeast strains that are important for mitochondrial studies. Furthermore, this chapter provides protocols describing yeast culture conditions and procedures for isolation and purification of mitochondria.

Inaccurately Assembled CytochromecOxidase Can Lead to Oxidative Stress-Induced Growth Arrest

“…All strains were grown in YP (1% yeast extract, and 2% peptone) or synthetic medium with 2% glucose, galactose, or glycerol as carbon sources at 30°C. Mitochondria were prepared from galactose-grown cells as described (4).…”

The Membrane Insertase Oxa1 Is Required for Efficient Import of Carrier Proteins into Mitochondria

“…For the isolation of mitochondria, yeast cultures were either kept at 25°C or shifted to 37°C for 3 h in the presence of 20 μM cycloheximide. Mitochondria were isolated as previously described 46. …”

Oxa1-Ribosome Complexes Coordinate the Assembly of Cytochrome c Oxidase in Mitochondria

“…Yeast cultures were grown at 30°C in 1% yeast extract and 2% peptone or in minimal synthetic medium supplemented with 2% glycerol, 2% galactose, or 2% glucose (24). Mitochondria were isolated as described previously (24).…”