Analysis of the morphologic changes of Monascus sp. J101 cells cocultured with Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Changes in cell life cycle and intracellular structure of Monascus sp. J101 by coculture with Saccharomyces cerevisiae were investigated. Cocultured Monascus cells showed accelerated cell growth and reproduction. Production of asexual and sexual spores was used as an efficient method of cell proliferation. Formation of meiotic (sexual) spores was more frequently observed in the cocultured Monascus cells. The interior structure of a cocultured cell was characterized by increased numbers and sizes of vacuoles. The vacuoles probably serve as repositories for pigment storage. Pigments produced by the cocultured Monascus cells were more hydrophobic than pigments produced by control cells with no coculture.