Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a model eukaryotic cell for studying basic cell processes. The following features of yeast genetics and molecular biology make it a powerful model system. Easy to screen for rare mutations.
Tetrad analysis allows direct analysis of the products of meiosis in one cell.
Mutants can be isolated in haploids or diploids. Recessive mutations are immediately recognized in haploids. If mutations are being sought in an essential process, mutagenesis can be done in diploids. The recessive mutation is identified in the haploid cells after sporulation. Yeast cells are easy to transform.