Characterisation of malate-dependent mutants of the yeast Schizosaccharomyces malidevorans : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Genetics at Massey University

Abstract

The phenotypes of several UV induced malate-dependent mutants of Schizosaccharomyces malidevorans were characterised and compared to the previously characterised malate-dependent strain, S. malidevorans #11. This strain uses less glucose than the wild type, has an extended life in liquid media, does not sporulate readily and turns indicator medium blue.

The malate-dependent mutant strains were analysed for their fermentation characteristics, their complementation groups and their chromosomal patterns on a transverse alternating field electrophoresis apparatus (TAFE). The fermentation patterns of all of the strains were similar to #11. There appear to be three complementation groups involved in the malate-dependent phenotype.

The TAFE patterns and subsequent Southern Hybridisation showed that the malate­ dependent mutants had a decreased mobility of chromosome II, while chromosomes I and III were not altered. The chromosome II alteration varied between the different malate-dependent mutants but fell into a small number of discrete patterns.