Genomic reorganization between two sibling yeast species, Saccharomyces bayanus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Genomic comparison of two sibling yeast species, Saccharomyces bayanus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, was performed by Southern blot analysis with various S. cerevisiae gene probes following electrophoretic karyotyping. Fifteen genes on chromosome IV of S. cerevisiae were examined and classified into two groups. Gene probes of CEN4 and TRP1, as well as six other genes located on the left arm of the chromosome hybridized to a 1100-kb chromosome of S. bayanus that is smaller than chromosome IV of S. cerevisiae. On the other hand, probes of seven genes located on the right arm of chromosome IV hybridized to a 1350-kb chromosome that is homeologous to chromosome IV, judging from its size. Two genes located on the left arm of chromosome II hybridized to the 1350-kb chromosome, while four genes on the right arm hybridized to the 1100-kb chromosome. These pieces of evidence indicate that chromosomes II and IV of S. cerevisiae are rearranged into 1350-kb and 1100-kb chromosomes in S. bayanus. Furthermore, it is suggested that chromosome XV is rearranged into two chromosomes (800 and 850 kb in size) in S. bayanus. The translocation points of chromosomes II and IV were delimited using S. cerevisiae prime clone membranes. The results indicated that the translocation points are located close to the FUR4 locus on chromosome II and close to the RAD57 locus on chromosome IV.