Ultrastructural characteristics and variability of vegetative reproduction in Fellomyces penicillatus.

The yeast strains VKM Y-2977 and VKM Y-2978, derived from the isolate Pa-202, were examined for their physiological properties and mycocin sensitivities and studied by light, phase-contrast, fluorescence, transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The cells of the first strain produced long stalk-like conidiophores, whereas the cells of the second one had the appearance of a typical budding yeast under the light microscope. Transmission and scanning electron microscopy showed the formation of stalk-like conidiophores and long necks in VKM Y-2977, similar in appearance to Fellomyces fuzhouensis.

Effect of cytoskeleton inhibitors on conidiogenesis and capsule in the long neck yeast Fellomyces examined by scanning electron microscopy.

Background: The aim of this basic study was to investigate by scanning electron microscopy the effects of cytoskeleton inhibitors on conidiogenesis and capsule in the yeast Fellomyces fuzhouensis CBS 8243, related to Cryptococcus neoformans.

Methods: Cells were treated by methyl benzimidazole-2-ylcarbamate (BCM) and latrunculin A (LAT) in yeast extract peptone dextrose medium and examined by scanning electron microscopy.

Results: During conidiogenesis, mother cells covered by capsule formed hypha-like stalks and at the hyphal tip yeast-like conidium developed.