Biopolymers and cell. 2006; 22 (1): 3 - 17

Selenium and yeast: genetic mechanisms of the yeast tolerance to selenium compounds and their analogs

M. M. Stenchuk, L. B. Chaban, M. V. Gonchar

Selenium (Se) and its compounds have toxic and carcinogenic effect on animal and human beings, but in small concentrations this microelement is essential for life. Therefore, it is important to establish the molecular basis of Se toxicity and cell resistance to this metaloid. Many investigations of this problem have been carried out on bacteria. Genetic approaches, available for the yeasts, made these eukaryotic microorganisms, especially S. cerevisiae, a convenient model for the investigation of molecular mechanisms of Se tolerance. This review summarizes the knowledge of genetic mechanisms involved in Se tolerance in yeasts.

Key words: yeast, selenium, tolerance.