Chemical composition of cell walls of Saccharomyces fragilis

Abstract

Cell walls of Saccharomyces fragilis grown in two different media were prepared by mechanical disruption, and their chemical composition was studied. A high carbohydrate content (75–80%) was found in these walls. Glucose and mannose were represented in a ratio 1:1 in both cases; cell walls also contained a small amount of glucosamine. Sixteen common amino acids were detected in S. fragilis wall hydrolysates. One unidentified ninhydrin-positive component was present when the organism was grown in Hansen medium. A low percentage of lipid was found in both walls. The significance of all these data is discussed in the light of the difficulties encountered in the preparation and purification of walls.