Analysis of the morphologic changes of Monascus sp J101 cells cocultured with Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Changes in cell life cycle and intracellular structure of Monascus sp. J101 by coculture with Saccharomyces cerevisiae were investigated. Cocultured M onascus cells showed accelerated cell growth and reproduction. Production o f asexual and sexual spores was used as an efficient method of cell prolife ration. Formation of meiotic (sexual) spores was more frequently observed i n the cocultured Monascus cells. The interior structure of a cocultured cel l was characterized by increased numbers and sizes of vacuoles. The vacuole s probably serve as repositories for pigment storage. Pigments produced by the cocultured Monascus cells were more hydrophobic than pigments produced by control cells with no coculture. (C) 2000 Federation of European Microbi ological Societies. Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.