A novel mutation that affects utilization of galactose in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Abstract

A novel type of regulatory mutation for galactose metabolism in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is described. The mutation named gal11 was recessive, non-allelic to GAL4, GAL80, GAL2, or GAL3, and unlinked to the gene cluster of GAL1, GAL10, and GAL7. It caused a 'coordinate' reduction of galactokinase, galactose-1-P uridylyl transferase, and UDP-glucose 4-epimerase by a factor of more than 5, rendering the mutant cells galactose-nonfermenting. The effect of the mutation was manifested not only in cells grown on galactose but also in cells constitutively synthesizing the galactose-metabolizing enzymes.