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Extracellular proteinases of yeasts and yeastlike fungi
Abstract:
Approximately 800 yeasts and other fungi, representing over 70 species, were tested for extracellular caseinolysis. Isolates of a variety of genera, including Aureobasidium, Cephalosporium, Endomycopsis, Kluyveromyces, and numerous sporobolomycetes, demonstrated significant proteolytic activity. Caseinolysis was not necessarily correlated with gelatin liquefaction or with albuminolysis. Numerous fungi showed significant proteolysis at 5 C. The most active organisms were isolates of Candida lipolytica, Aureobasidium pullulans, Candida punicea, and species of Cephalosporium. Taxonomic and ecological implications of proteolytic activity are discussed.
Insights
This study screened 800 fungi for caseinolysis, finding significant proteolytic activity in many species. Several Candida and Aureobasidium isolates showed high activity, with implications for fungal taxonomy and ecology.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Extracellular enzymes are crucial for nutrient acquisition in fungi.
- Proteolytic activity, particularly caseinolysis, is an important characteristic for fungal identification and ecological roles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and extent of extracellular caseinolysis in a diverse collection of yeasts and fungi.
- To identify fungal species exhibiting significant proteolytic activity and explore potential correlations with other enzymatic activities.
Main Methods:
- Screening of approximately 800 fungal isolates from over 70 species for extracellular caseinolysis.
- Assessing proteolytic activity at low temperatures (5 C).
- Comparing caseinolysis with gelatin liquefaction and albuminolysis.
Main Results:
- Significant extracellular caseinolytic activity was observed in numerous fungal genera, including Aureobasidium, Cephalosporium, Endomycopsis, Kluyveromyces, and sporobolomycetes.
- Caseinolysis was not consistently correlated with gelatin liquefaction or albuminolysis.
- High proteolytic activity was noted in isolates of Candida lipolytica, Aureobasidium pullulans, Candida punicea, and Cephalosporium species, even at 5 C.
Conclusions:
- Proteolytic capabilities, specifically caseinolysis, are widespread among various fungal species.
- The study highlights specific fungal isolates with high caseinolytic potential, relevant for taxonomic and ecological considerations.
- Fungal proteolytic activity exhibits variability and is not always linked to other common enzymatic functions.