The Role of Carbohydrate in the Germination of Yeast Ascospores

Abstract

<p>The content and utilization of carbohydrate during the yeast life cycle were studied with special reference to spore germination. The experiments were designed to investigate the nutritional requirements, the changes in the carbohydrate content and dry weight, the respiratory activities, the possible substitution of exogenous glucose by other carbon sources, the effect of temperature treatments, the uptake and distribution of exogenous glucose and the effect of inhibitors of carbohydrate metabolism on germination.</p> <p>The experiments showed the relative importance of endogenous and exogenous carbohydrates, the kind of respiratory activity and the fate of exogenous glucose carbon during germination. The pathway of carbon metabolism essential for germination was also indicated.</p> <p>The present work is the first attempt to compare qualitatively and quantitatively the carbohydrate content of yeast during the three major· phases of life cycle, viz., growth, sporulation and germination. Quantitative data on uptake and distribution of exogenous glucose during germination of yeast ascospores are provided. From an analysis of the results an attempt is made to assess the role, of carbohydrate in the germination of yeast ascospores.</p>