Possible chromosomal location for the killer determinant in Torulopsis glabrata

Abstract

We have used cytoduction and protoplast fusion to characterise the killer trait in Torulopsis glabrata. Killer trait could not be transferred by cytoduction to a non-killer strain of T. glabrata suggesting that the determinant(s) is/are not present in the cytoplasm. Consistent with this interpretation is the observation that all fusion products, where chromosomes of both the parents are represented, are killers. Non-killer segregants could be isolated from fusion products after treatment with benlate suggesting that loss of the trait is associated with non-disjunction and loss of a chromosome.