Hybridization Studies by Crossing and Protoplast Fusion within the Genus Schizosaccharomyces Lindner

Abstract

Hybridization studies based on the use of crossing and the protoplast fusion technique revealed the relationship between the various taxa of the yeast genus Schizosaccharomyces Lindner. From a series of intra- and interspecific crosses as well as protoplast fusions, we concluded that a revision of the genus is required. Being interfertile, S. pombe and S. malidevorans have to be included in one species S. pombe. From the protoplast fusion results, this new taxon seems to be closely related to S. octosporus. The results obtained are discussed in connection with the characteristics of the low temperature spectra of the cytochromes.