ABSTRACT
Pleiotropic effects of two ribosomal mutations for cycloheximide resistance were studied in a double-resistant homocaryon. The results obtained indicated that the combination of the two ribosomal mutations results in: (i) morphological abnormalities which suggest a severe distortion in the extension of cell walls and membranes; (ii) disturbance in the normal 60S-40S subunit ratio; (iii) decreased rate of cell mass production not necessarily associated with inbalance in the 60S-40S ratio; and (iv) cold sensitivity which does not interfere with mycelial mass production.
Subject(s)
Cycloheximide/pharmacology , Genes , Neurospora crassa/genetics , Neurospora/genetics , Ribosomes , Cold Temperature , Drug Resistance, Microbial , Mutation , Neurospora crassa/cytology , Neurospora crassa/drug effects , Ribosomes/analysisABSTRACT
The protein and total amino acid contents of four mycelial fungal strains and one yeast were approximately the same for cultures harvested in the mid-log and early stationary growth phases. It was found that Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium moniliforme contained approximately 30% more protein and total amino acids than Aspergillus niger. The amino acid composition of mycelial protein compares favorably with that of British Petroleum yeast protein Toprina produced commercially on hydrocarbon substrates. Fusarium spp. may be suitable for commercial production of microbial protein, especially when low-cost agricultural or industrial waste products are readily available as energy sources. Genetic manipulation of these fungi, such as induction of mutant strains through irradiation, may be desirable to obtain a mycelial product of improved yield and/or quality.
