Scientists Restructure Entire Yeast Genome Into One Chromosome

Two teams of researchers have used CRISPR to take the entire genome of baker’s yeast (S. cerevisiae), normally spread over 16 chromosomes, and restructure it into just one or two. The feat is the most dramatic genome restructuring accomplished to date. Scientists noted there were genetic incompatibilities when strains with differing numbers of chromosomes were coaxed to produce spores; this could be used to prevent synthetic yeast from mating with wild strains when released into the environment.