Interspecific protoplast fusion in fission yeasts

Abstract: Protoplasts of auxotrophic mutants isolated fromSchizosaccharomyces pombe andSchizosaccharomyces octosporus were fused. The fusion products were capable of complementation and growth on minimal medium, but the morphological observations suggested a disturbed physiological balance, which was reflected in low viability, osmotic sensitivity, and the formation of incomplete cell wall. Their asymmetric segregation indicated thatSchizosaccharomyces octosporus might be dominant in the fused cells.