Polymorphism within the nuclear and 2μm genomes of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Seven strains of bakers' yeast were obtained as a representative sample of the Spanish baking industry. The nuclear genome was monitored for polymorphism by transverse alternating field electrophoresis (TAFE) and restriction maps of 2 μm DNA were produced. All seven strains were uniquely different when evaluated by their total chromosomal lengths whereas only two 2 μm variants were defined. There was no apparent correlation between chromosomal and plasmid polymorphism. The extensive chromosomal polymorphism within one 2 μm DNA type indicates the rapid and relatively recent evolution of the nuclear genome. The hybrid origin (S. cerevisiae-S.monacensis) of lager yeast was critically evaluated by TAFE analysis of S. cerevisiae and S. carlsbergensis chromosomes. The absence of corresponding S. cerevisiae chromosomes III and XIII in S. carlsbergensis argued against the hybrid origin of lager strains. We discuss limitations of the hybrid origin hypothesis of industrial yeasts and propose that the molecular coevolution observed in 2 μm DNA serves as a useful additional mechanism for rationalization of some of the structural polymorphism of the nuclear genome.