The complete blueprint of the world’s first fully synthetic eukaryotic genome — Yeast 2.0 [OC]

This is graph I made for my Ph.D introduction. It shows the genome map of Saccharomyces cerevisiae — baker's yeast — but not just any yeast. This is Sc2.0, the first complex organism (eukaryote) to have its entire genome rebuilt from scratch by humans.

What am I looking at?

The circular plot shows all 16 chromosomes of yeast arranged like a wheel. Each ring represents a different layer of information:

• Outer ring (light blue): The natural yeast genome — ~12 million base pairs of DNA containing ~6,000 genes
• Second ring (lilac): Transfer RNA genes — the molecular "adapters" that translate genetic code into proteins
• Third ring (orange): The synthetic version — notice it's ~8% smaller. Scientists removed "junk" sequences, introns, and repetitive regions while keeping the yeast fully functional
• Fourth ring (black dots): 3,932 "LoxPsym" sites — molecular "cut here" markers that allow researchers to randomly shuffle the genome on command between those sites (a system called SCRaMbLE)
• Inner ring (green): "Megachunks" — the ~50 kb LEGO-like pieces used to assemble each chromosome

What's the tRNA neochromosome?

The 275 transfer RNA genes scattered across the natural genome were relocated onto a single new artificial chromosome — like consolidating all your app shortcuts into one folder. This is displayed in lilac. This makes the genome more stable.

Why does this matter?

Sc2.0 is essentially a programmable cell. The SCRaMbLE system lets researchers generate millions of genome variants in hours — accelerating evolution that would normally take millennia. Applications include biofuel production, pharmaceutical synthesis, and fundamental research into what makes a genome "work."

This 15-year international effort was completed in 2023 and represents one of the most ambitious synthetic biology projects ever undertaken.

#og