Characterization of a respiratory-deficient mutant of Pachysolen tannophilus

Summary A pleiotropic, respiration-deficient mutant was isolated from the petite negative yeast Pachysolen tannophilus after UV mutagenesis. The mutant is unable to utilize xylose, arabinose, galactose or glycerol, and shows no detectable respiration when grown on glucose. Cytochrome c oxidase, xylose reductase and xylitol dehydrogenase activities are lacking. Mitochondrial ultrastructre is altered. The results support the hypothesis that functioning mitochondria are necessary for xylose utilization in this organism.