A fast and inexpensive method for random spore analysis in Schizosaccharomyces pombe

Random spore analysis is a fundamental tool of yeast genetics for determining gene linkage and the generation of recombinant progeny by genetic crosses. Experimentally it involves treatment of a mating mix with enzymes, such as zymolyase or lyticase, that selectively lyse the cell wall of vegetative cells rather than the spores. Here, we describe a method whereby the relative refractory nature of the spores to treatment with elevated temperature and repeated freeze-thawing facilitates random spore analysis at low cost in fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Because of similar properties of spores in budding yeast, this method should prove to be useful for random spore analysis in both budding and fission yeasts.