What is one advantage of using yeast as a model organism in research?

Using yeast as a model organism in research offers numerous advantages, one of which is its rapid growth. Yeast can reproduce quickly, often doubling in population every couple of hours under optimal conditions. This rapid growth facilitates experiments that require large amounts of cells or prompt results, allowing researchers to observe genetic, physiological, or biochemical changes in a relatively short time frame. This characteristic accelerates the pace of research and can be particularly beneficial when screening for genetic mutations, studying gene expression, or testing the effects of various substances.

In contrast, having a complex genome would not necessarily be considered an advantage for research, as simpler organisms often make genetic manipulation and interpretation easier. Additionally, the ability to carry out post-translational modifications is important for studying eukaryotic protein functions, meaning that yeast's capability in this area adds to its value as a model organism rather than detracting from it. Lastly, requiring long growth cycles would hinder the efficiency of experiments, making it less suitable as a model organism compared to yeast with its rapid generation time.