Primary structure and transcription of an amplified genetic locus: The CUP1 locus of yeast

Copper resistance in yeast is controlled by the CUP1 locus. The level of resistance is proportional to the copy number of this locus, which can be found in up to 15 tandemly iterated copies. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms controlling the amplification and expression of the CUP1 locus, we determined its full nucleotide sequence. We have also identified and mapped two transcription units within the basic amplification unit of CUP1 in laboratory yeast strains. One of those transcription units is inducible by copper and encodes a low molecular weight copper binding protein-copper chelatin. The increased production of chelatin, due to both gene amplification and induction of transcription, leads to increased resistance of yeast cell to copper ions.