Environmentally controlled dimorphic cycle in a fission yeast

The dimorphic cycle of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces japonicus var japonicus and transition between unipolar and bipolar growth are modulated by the nutritional gradient in the environment. Transformation from the yeast form to the mycelial morphology is correlated with widespread vacuolation. The yeast form is unstable on solid media and prone to transform to mycelium. Schizosaccharomyces japonicus var japonicus can therefore be used in the study of yeast morphogenesis and polarity.