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
Genomic interest areas: Food production
Bacillus subtilis
Bacillus subtilis is the best-characterized member of the Gram-positive bacteria. This bacteria and its close relatives are an important source of industrial enzymes (such as amylases and proteases), and much of the commercial interest in these bacteria arises from their capacity to secrete these enzymes at gram per litre concentrations. B. subtilis (natto) is also…
M. bovis
Mycobacterium bovis is the causative agent of tuberculosis in various animal species and in humans, leading to significant global economic losses in agriculture. Its genome, which is more than 99.95% identical to that of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, provides important insights into its evolution, host interaction, and pathobiology. 10.1073/pnas.1130426100 (Jun/3/2003). Authors: Isidora Ibarra Azúa, Estefany Gimena Medina…
Water buffalo
Bubalus bubalis, the water buffalo, is a mammal that can swim up to 50 km/h and hold its breath for 5 minutes. Its genome sequencing aids in understanding buffalo genetics, livestock maintainance and milk production. https://doi.org/10.1101/618785 (January/02/2020) Authors: Adrià Casas Colom, Sergi Garcia Fontanet, Paula Lluma Mañas, Neosbel Jordan Ortiz Sandoval, Jan Pericas Morales
Opium poppy
Papaver somniferum, the opium poppy, is a medicinal and ornamental plant known for producing pharmacologically important benzylisoquinoline alkaloids such as morphine and codeine. Its poppy seeds are used for culinary applications as breads and cakes. This is because the alkaloids are mainly concentrated in the latex of the immature capsule, while mature seeds contain negligible…
Cronobacter sakazakii
Gram-negative encapsulated bacillus, opportunistic emerging pathogen. Outbreaks have been associated with the consumption of infant formula (powdered milk). It is capable of forming biofilms on baby bottles and latex nipples, leading to meningitis, bacteremia, necrotizing enterocolitis, or meningoencephalitis in neonates and immunocompromised individuals. Its mortality rate ranges from 40–80%, and it may result in neurological…
Beet
Beta vulgaris, the beet, is cultivated for its colorful, fleshy roots and nutritious leaves rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Its genome is diploid and encodes genes important for sugar production, making it a vital crop in temperate regions worldwide. J. C., Minoche, A. E., Holtgräwe, D., Capella-Gutiérrez, S., Zakrzewski, F., Tafer, H., Rupp, O.,…
European eel
Its body is covered in a slimy mucus layer and its coloration ranges from olive-brown to yellowish on the belly. They live in freshwater but migrate to the sea to spawn. Specifically, they are born in the Sargasso Sea, then drift thousands of kilometers across the ocean to European rivers, where they spend most of…
Corn plant
Maize cobs typically have an even number of rows — it’s a cool quirk of plant biology—. Regardless of the variety, kernels rows follow a predictable pattern, with most types having between 8 and 20 rows. This happens because of the way maize develops, ensuring the total number of rows is almost always an even…
Asian cultivated rice
Oryza sativa, the rice plant, is one of the most important cereal crops worldwide. Its genome sequencing aids in understanding rice genetics, evolution, and traits related to yield, quality, and stress tolerance. 10.1126/science.1068037 (Apr 5, 2002)