What is one advantage of using yeast in biotechnology?

Using yeast in biotechnology offers several advantages, and a key benefit is that yeast can be genetically modified to produce various substances, including proteins. This ability stems from yeast being eukaryotic organisms, which share many cellular mechanisms with more complex organisms, making them excellent models for studying gene expression and regulation. Genetic engineering techniques allow scientists to insert specific genes into yeast, enabling it to produce desired proteins, enzymes, and even pharmaceuticals. This process can be valuable for producing insulin, vaccines, and other therapeutic substances efficiently and at scale.

While other aspects of yeast could be appealing—such as its capacity to thrive in certain growth conditions—its ability to be genetically modified significantly enhances its utility in research and industrial applications. This permits scientists to harness its biological processes for the advancement of biotechnology, making it a pivotal tool in the development of new therapies and bioproducts.