The Formation of Fungal Sporopollenin in the Zygospore Wall of Mucor mucedo: a Role for the Sexual Carotenogenesis in the Mucorales

Abstract

SUMMARY: Exhaustive alkali and acid extraction of Mucor mucedo zygospores leaves a residue that is chemically very similar to higher plant and synthetic sporopollenins. This Mucor sporopollenin is probably a component of the outer part of the zygospore wall. The incorporation of radioactive acetate, mevalonate and β-carotene suggests that it is biosynthesized by an oxidative polymerization of β-carotene. Thus sporopollenin formation is probably a role for the increased carotenogenesis observed during sexual reproduction of many members of the Mucorales.