title: Spheroplast fusion and heterokaryon formation in Mucor racemosus.
abstract: Heterokaryons of Mucor racemosus were produced by fusion of spheroplasts from two auxotrophic strains of the fungus. Germinated sporangiospores were converted to spheroplasts by using commercial chitinase and Myxobacter AL-1 chitosanase. Spheroplasts from the auxotrophic strains were mixed in a buffered Ca(NO3)2 solution and fusion occurred. After cell wall regeneration, prototrophs were isolated. The frequency of heterokaryon formation was 1.45 X 10(-4). Prototrophic isolates segregated parental nuclei at a high frequency, indicating that heterokaryons had formed.
mesh_terms: D000225:Adenine / Q000096:biosynthesis; D002467:Cell Nucleus; D005816:Genetic Complementation Test; D007930:Leucine / Q000096:biosynthesis; D009089:Mucor / Q000166:cytology* / Q000235:genetics; D013104:Spheroplasts; D013172:Spores, Fungal
chemical_list: D007930:Leucine; D000225:Adenine