GLUCOMANNAN FROM CANDIDA-UTILIS - STRUCTURAL INVESTIGATION

Structure of the glucomannan isolated from the cell walls of Candida u tilis has been investigated using acetolysis fragmentation, methylatio n analysis, and NMR spectroscopy. The structure of the glucomannan res embles that of the cellular mannans of other Candida species, except t hat the longer tetra- and pentasaccharide side-chains are terminated w ith a glucosyl residue. Presence of the nonreducing glucosyl groups at the ends of the side-chains caused the C utilis not to cross-react in a double immunodiffusion test with other Candida species that possess mannan antigens and cross-react with Hansenula species with glucomann an antigens.