Yeast Artificial Chromosome (YAC) refers to a type of genetic tool used in molecular biology to manipulate and study the DNA of various organisms. YACs are used primarily to clone and study large segments of DNA, including entire genes or even entire genomes.
A YAC is an engineered piece of DNA constructed by combining certain parts from both yeast and other organisms. It typically includes the components required for replication, stability, and expression of the DNA within yeast cells. By introducing these YACs into yeast cells, researchers can successfully maintain and propagate large segments of DNA that would be otherwise difficult to study.
The key advantage of YACs is their ability to carry and clone very large DNA fragments, ranging from 100,000 to several million base pairs in size. YACs can be used to study complex genetic regions with numerous genes, regulatory elements, and repetitive sequences. They have proven especially useful in mapping and sequencing large genomes, as well as identifying disease-associated genes.
YACs are also employed for functional studies, where they are used to introduce specific genes or gene combinations into yeast or other organisms for analysis. They have become indispensable tools in genetic research, allowing scientists to investigate the functions, regulatory elements, and interactions of DNA at a larger scale.
In summary, a YAC is a powerful tool for genetic engineering and molecular biology, enabling the cloning, propagation, and manipulation of large DNA fragments within yeast cells for various research purposes.
