Genome variability of the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica

Using sequence analysis of internal transcribed spacers ITS1 and ITS2, RAPD-PCR, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis of intact chromosomal DNA, we investigated the molecular and genetic peculiarities of the genomes of 40 Yarrowia lipolytica strains. All the strains showed nearly identical ITS-sequences. On the other hand, karyotypic analysis revealed significant differences in the chromosomal patterns of Y. lipolytica. The number and order of individual chromosomes vary from strain to strain. Chromosome-length polymorphism of the Y. lipopytica strains was pronounced and independent of their geographic origin and the source of isolation. Intraspecific polymorphism of Y. lipolytica chromosomes is discussed.