Carbohydrate Metabolism during Sporulation in Spheroplasts of Yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Abstract

Carbohydrate metabolism during sporulation in spheroplasts of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was examined to detect changes in the synthesis and degradation of cellular materials. The cellular materials in spheroplasts were fractionated into extraspore material, spore-cytoplasm and spore walls. Glycogen in the extraspore material was synthesized early in development and was degraded prior to spore maturation. Trehalose, glycogen and mannan in the spore-cytoplasm were all synthesized during spore formation. Glucan, as a major component of the spore walls, was synthesized during spore formation. A glucosamine polymer, as a component of the outer layers of the spore walls, was synthesized immediately after incubation in the sporulation medium. Mannan synthesis, as a minor component in the spore walls, was completed prior to spore maturation.