Yarrowia lipolytica is a dimorphic yeast. This means we can find it in its yeast form or a filamentous form. It’s a model organism for its genus and it has a very high resilience to extreme environmental conditions. DOI: 10.1038/nature02579 (Jul 01, 2004) Author: Rita Chacón Sahún
Genome scale: 5
Social Amoeba
Dictyostelium discoideum, the social amoeba, is a soil-dwelling unicellular protist which forms fruiting bodies made of many cells that aggregate under starvation. Its genome has a very high AT percentage and can help us learn about the evolution of amoebae and how multicellularity happens. Authors: Lucas Bartolomé Grosso, Joan Ortiz Badia, Marc Pedra Vilalta
Zombie-ant fungus
Ophiocordyceps unilateralis is valued in local traditions for its medicinal properties. It contains cordycepin, known for its anti-inflammatory and potential anticancer effects. Additionally, it supports kidney health and may help manage depression and diabetes. de Bekker, C., Ohm, R. A., Loreto, R. G., Sebastian, A., Albert, I., Merrow, M., Brachmann, A., & Hughes, D. P….
T. gondii
Toxoplasma gondii is a parasitic protozoan causing toxoplasmosis, a widespread infection in humans and animals. Its genome sequencing aids in understanding parasite biology and developing treatments. 10.1186/gb-2009-10-5-r53 (May 20, 2009)
O. lucimarinus
Ostreococcus lucimarinus is a marine green alga species. Its genome sequencing aids in understanding marine phytoplankton ecology, photosynthesis, and global carbon cycling. 10.1073/pnas.0611046104 (May 1, 2007)
Kinetoplastid Parasite
Leishmania major is a parasitic protozoan causing cutaneous leishmaniasis. Its genome sequencing aids in understanding parasite biology and developing treatments for leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease. 10.1126/science.1112680 (Jul 15, 2005)
Brewer’s yeast
Saccharomyces cerevisiae, commonly known as baker’s yeast, is a model organism used in biotechnology and genetics research. Its genome sequencing aids in understanding yeast biology and cellular processes. 10.1126/science.274.5287.546 (Oct 25, 1996)
Cryptococcus
Cryptococcus neoformans is a pathogenic yeast responsible for cryptococcosis. Its genome provides insights into fungal virulence and drug resistance mechanisms. 10.1126/science.1103773 (Feb 25, 2005)
Candida
Candida albicans is a common yeast species found in the human microbiome. Its genome sequencing enhances understanding of fungal infections and their treatments. 10.1073/pnas.0401648101 (May 3, 2004)