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We have analysed a new gene, CEM1, from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Inactivation of this gene leads to a respiratory-deficient phenotype. The deduced protein sequence shows strong similarities with β-keto-acyl synthases or condensing enzymes. Typically, enzymes of this class are involved in the synthesis of fatty acids or similar molecules. An analysis of the mitochondrial lipids and fatty acids shows no major difference between the wild type and deleted strains, implying that the CEM1 gene product is not involved in the synthesis of the bulk fatty acids. Thus it is possible that the CEM1 protein is involved in the synthesis of a specialized molecule, probably related to a fatty acid, which is essential for mitochondrial respiration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]