Localization of glycoconjugates and glycogen in yeast-like cells and protoplasts of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis

Abstract

The presence and localization of storage polysaccharides and of polysaccharides as cell structure constituents of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis yeast-like cells and protoplasts were studied using the periodic acid-thiocarbohydrazide-silver proteinate (PATAg) technique. Yeast-like cells presented glycogen particles in the form of rosettes, which were mostly concentrated in regions of the cytoplasm. Cells in the budding process presented small amounts of glycogen in their matrix. The intracellular membranes and the attachment of the mother cell to the bud were clearly labelled by silver, demonstrating a large amount of glyco-conjugates. The protoplasts presented a small amount of glycogen in their cytoplasm, a reduction probably due to the enzymatic treatment to which the cells were submitted.