The glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) represent a significant group of detoxification enzymes that play an important role in drug resistance in all eukaryotic species. In this paper we report an identification and characterization of the two Saccharomyces cerevisiae genes, GTT1 and GTT2 (glutathione transferase 1 and 2), coding for functional GST enzymes. Despite only limited similarity with GSTs from other organisms (approximately 50%), recombinant Gtt1p and Gtt2p exhibit GST activity with 1-chloro-2, 4-dinitrobenzene as a substrate. Both Gtt1p and Gtt2p are able to form homodimers, as determined by two hybrid assay. Subcellular fractionation demonstrated that Gtt1p associates with the endoplasmic reticulum. Expression of GTT1 is induced after diauxic shift and remains high throughout the stationary phase. Strains deleted for GTT1 and/or GTT2 are viable but exhibit increased sensitivity to heat shock in stationary phase and limited ability to grow at 39 degreesC.