The article discusses the significant contributions of *Saccharomyces cerevisiae* (budding yeast) to the field of mitochondrial biology. Yeast has been a powerful model organism for understanding mitochondrial processes, including the assembly of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) complexes, metabolite transport, lipid metabolism, and interorganelle communication. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of yeast in characterizing conserved mitochondrial processes and functions, such as the assembly of Complex II and Complex V, the role of mitochondrial carriers in metabolite transport, and the role of mitoferrin proteins in iron transport. The article also emphasizes the impact of yeast genetics on the discovery of human disease genes related to mitochondrial dysfunction, particularly in diseases like Barth syndrome and Friedreich's ataxia. Additionally, it explores the complex interactions between mitochondria and other organelles, such as the vacuole, and the potential implications for understanding mitochondrial-related diseases in mammals. The authors conclude by highlighting the ongoing importance of yeast genetics in advancing our understanding of mitochondrial biology and its relevance to human health and disease.The article discusses the significant contributions of *Saccharomyces cerevisiae* (budding yeast) to the field of mitochondrial biology. Yeast has been a powerful model organism for understanding mitochondrial processes, including the assembly of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) complexes, metabolite transport, lipid metabolism, and interorganelle communication. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of yeast in characterizing conserved mitochondrial processes and functions, such as the assembly of Complex II and Complex V, the role of mitochondrial carriers in metabolite transport, and the role of mitoferrin proteins in iron transport. The article also emphasizes the impact of yeast genetics on the discovery of human disease genes related to mitochondrial dysfunction, particularly in diseases like Barth syndrome and Friedreich's ataxia. Additionally, it explores the complex interactions between mitochondria and other organelles, such as the vacuole, and the potential implications for understanding mitochondrial-related diseases in mammals. The authors conclude by highlighting the ongoing importance of yeast genetics in advancing our understanding of mitochondrial biology and its relevance to human health and disease.