Saccharomyces sensu stricto as a model system for evolution and ecology

摘要

Baker's yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is not onlyan extensively used model system in genetics andmolecular biology, it is an upcoming model forresearch in ecology and evolution. The available bodyof knowledge and molecular techniques make yeastideal for work in areas such as evolutionary and eco-logical genomics, population genetics, microbial bio-geography, community ecology and speciation. Aslong as ecological information remains scarce for thisspecies, the vast amount of data that is being gener-ated using S. cerevisiae as a model system will remaindifficult to interpret in an evolutionary context. Herewe review the current knowledge of the evolution andecology of S. cerevisiae and closely related species inthe Saccharomyces sensu stricto group, and suggestfuture research directions.