A recent study has uncovered a gene that may be involved in toxic competition between cells in yeast. The gene, named YCR082C, was found to be a key player in allowing yeast cells to outcompete their neighbors in limited resources. This study, published in the journal PLOS One, highlights the importance of competition in the life of yeast cells and how genes may affect their outcomes in competitive environments.

YCR082C affects the production of a protein, known as toxic ribonucleases, which can degrade the RNA of competing cells. The study’s authors hypothesize that this gene was likely selected for in yeast populations due to its ability to give a competitive advantage. This gene may also be present in other organisms, potentially playing an important role in toxic competition in other species.

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source: Phys.org