Preparation of protoplasts from mycelium and arthroconidia of Geotrichum candidum

Abstract

Protoplasts were released from mycelium and the cylindrical type of arthroconidia from Geotrichum candidum by a lytic enzyme (Novozym 234). This enzyme was unable to release protoplasts from the ellipsoidal type of arthroconidia, which reflects a difference in the cell walls of the two types of conidia. The conditions necessary to obtain stable protoplasts were determined. Magnesium sulphate (0.8 M) was the best osmotic stabilizer for the formation of protoplasts, whereas both mannitol and magnesium sulphate could be used for regeneration. The regeneration was faster with mannitol than with magnesium sulphate.