Heteroduplex mobility assay of the D1/D2 region of the 26S rDNA for differentiation of Saccharomyces species

Aims: We present the HMA method for Saccharomyces differentiation using the PCR amplified D1/D2 26S rDNA. Methods and Results: This methodology is based on heteroduplex formation wh en two different DNAs are hybridized. We tested 11 type cultures of Sacchar omyces, 27 different cultures of S. cerevisiae and four other ascomycetic g enera. Conclusions: The method was capable of differentiating Saccharomyces specie s and was mainly very efficient for S. cerevisiae identification. HMA can p robably be applied in other genera, where identification is sometimes diffi cult only by conventional traits, which are based on physiology and morphol ogy. Significance and Impact of the Study: HMA provides a rapid and relatively s imple molecular tool, contributing for yeast taxonomy.