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Extracellular polysaccharides of some basidiomycetes
Australian Journal of Biological Sciences
|April 1, 1975
Summary
This study analyzed polysaccharides from four basidiomycete fungi. A novel fucogalactomannan from Polyporus tumulosus was isolated, revealing its unique sugar composition.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Biochemistry
- Carbohydrate Chemistry
Background:
- Basidiomycete fungi are known producers of diverse polysaccharides.
- Understanding fungal polysaccharide composition is crucial for potential applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fractionate and analyze the polysaccharide content of four specific basidiomycete fungi.
- To identify and characterize novel polysaccharides, such as fucogalactomannan, from these fungal sources.
Main Methods:
- Culture filtrates of Stereum strigoso-zonatum, Fomes australis, Trametes lilacinogilva, and Polyporus tumulosus were processed.
- Acid hydrolysis and gas chromatography of alditol acetates were employed to determine sugar composition and relative amounts.
- Purification and characterization of a specific fucogalactomannan from P. tumulosus were performed.
Main Results:
- The analyzed basidiomycete fungi contained galactose, mannose, xylose, fucose, and glucose.
- Galactose and mannose were identified as the predominant sugars, constituting over 50% of the total.
- A purified fucogalactomannan from P. tumulosus exhibited specific optical rotation and a defined sugar ratio (galactose:mannose:fucose:xylose = 2:1:1:0.2).
Conclusions:
- Basidiomycete fungi synthesize complex polysaccharides with varying sugar compositions.
- Polyporus tumulosus elaborates a unique fucogalactomannan with potential for further investigation.
- The characterized fucogalactomannan represents a novel fungal carbohydrate with specific structural features.