Yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs) are engineered chromosomes derived from yeast DNA that are used to clone and propagate large DNA sequences in yeast cells. YACs contain components like a centromere, telomeres, selectable marker genes, origin of replication genes, and autonomously replicating sequence genes. They can hold between 200-2000kb of DNA and are constructed by selecting a YAC, digesting it with restriction enzymes, ligating the desired DNA, and transforming the resulting recombinant YAC into yeast cells. YACs have advantages like their ability to accommodate large DNA fragments and replicate like natural chromosomes, but also have disadvantages such as instability and lower yields compared to bacterial artificial chromosomes.

1. YEAST ARTIFICIAL
CHROMOSOME
KAVIYALAKSHMI M
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR

2. INTRODUCTION
• Yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs) are genetically
engineered chromosomes derived from the DNA of the
yeast.
• It is a human-engineered DNA molecule used to
clone DNA sequences in yeast cells.
• They are the products of a recombinant DNA cloning
methodology to isolate and propagate very large
segments of DNA in a yeast host.

3. •Originated from Eukaryotic cells.
•They can be maintained in both yeast cells and
bacterial cells.
•Also called Shuttle Vector.
INTRODUCTION

4. STRUCTURE
COMPONENTS:
1. CENTROMERE
2. TELOMERE
3. SELECTABLE MARKER GENE
4. ORI GENE
5. ARS GENE
SIZE – 200-500 kb
HOLDING CAPACITY – 200 – 2000kb

5. CONSTRUCTION
1
• SELECTION OF YAC
2
• DIGESTION BY Bam H III
3
• LINEAR YAC FORMATION
4
• DIGESTION BY Eco R I
5
• LIGATION OF DESIRED DNA
6
• TRANSFORMATION OF rYAC
7
• SCREENING PROCESS

6. CONCLUSION
• ADVANTAGES
1. accommodate large
DNA fragments
2. Replicate like natural
chromosomes
3. Used for gene therapy
4. Large cloning capacity
• DISADVANTAGES
1. Instability
2. Complexity
3. Less stable than BAC
4. Low yield
5. Cost