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Yeast research, particularly focusing on
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
, is a cornerstone of microbiology and biotechnology, driven by its role as a model organism for understanding fundamental biological processes. This single-celled fungus has been extensively studied to elucidate mechanisms of cellular metabolism, genetic regulation, and stress responses. Researchers use yeast to investigate how cells convert sugars into energy (fermentation) and synthesize complex molecules like proteins and lipids, making it invaluable for biotechnological applications such as biofuel production, brewing, and pharmaceuticals. Additionally, yeast's genetic simplicity—with a well-mapped genome and easy manipulation—allows scientists to study gene function and regulation in detail, providing insights that are often applicable to human biology, including disease mechanisms and therapeutic targets.