Yeast with an active URA3 gene (Ura+) converts 5-FOA to fluorodeoxyuridine, which is toxic to cells (see the scheme below). Yeast strains carrying a mutation in the URA3 gene grow in the presence of 5-FOA if the media is supplemented with uracil. 5-FOA is frequently used in experiments with Saccharomyces cerevisiae (URA3), Schizosaccharomyces pombe (URA4 and URA5), Candida albicans (URA3) and E.coli (pyrF).
Recommended for: Detection of URA3 gene expression in yeast; Construction of yeast 2-hybrid libraries (1); Other areas of yeast genetics including gene replacement, analysis of transposable genetic elements and identification of gene mutations
Low solubility in water. Solubility in dimethylsulfoxide is greater than 150mg/mL. Preparation of a 100mg/mL solution in dime-thylsulfoxide is recommended.
References:
Bartel, P.L. and Fields, S., Yeast 2-Hybrid System, Oxford University Press, New York, 7, 109–147, 1997., Kaiser, C., et al., Methods in Yeast Genetics, Cold spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 1994.
