Influence of manganese on cell morphology, protoplasts formation and beta-D-glucosidase activity in Phaffia rhodozyma

Among several potential cell wall lytic enzymes, such as beta-D-glucosidase , beta-D-galactosidase, beta-N-acetyl-D-glucosaminidase, beta-N-acetyl-D-ga lactosaminidase, and beta-D-N,N'-diacetylchitinase, Phaffia rhodozyma showe d only beta-D-glucosidase activity. MnCl2 increased the activity, but not t he production of the enzyme. When the yeast was grown with 4.0 mM MnCl2, th e cells were bigger and rounder than those obtained in its absence, suggest ing a weakening of the cell wall. Protoplasts were obtained from these cell s, using 0.3 M KCl as the osmotic stabiliser. (C) 1999 Federation of Europe an Microbiological Societies. Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.