– ABOUT

Yeast 2.0

Synthetic Biology is the design and construction of new biological parts, devices, and systems and, in this instance, the components that drive yeast. Australia is part of the international consortium assembling the synthesised yeast chromosomes of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. 

S. cerevisiae is the preferred model for international efforts in synthetic biology and is the same strain used in our wine yeast project. The project is led by Sakkie Pretorius at Macquarie University and involves a partnership with the Australian Wine Research Institute.

The consortium, titled ‘Yeast 2.0’ is constructing a fully synthesised yeast chromosome. This project is part of a very exciting stream of science that may eventually lead to more efficient biofuels, and more effective medicines.

The project has also received support from the NSW Chief Scientist and the NSW Department of Primary Industries.