Synthetic 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 will be a part of the international consortium assembling the synthesised yeast chromosomes of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The consortium, titled ‘Yeast 2.0’ aims to construct a fully synthesised yeast chromosome. This project is the beginning of a very exciting stream of science that may eventually lead to more efficient biofuels, and more effective medicines.
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 will involve a partnership with the Australian Wine Research Institute.
The project has also received support from the NSW Chief Scientist and the NSW Department of Primary Industries.
For further information contact:
Sakkie Pretorius | T: 02 9850 8645 | sakkie.pretorius@mq.edu.au
Andrew Gilbert | T: 02 9850 8281 | agilbert@bioplatforms.com