| Abstract |
In order to investigate physiological characteristics of fusants by interspecific protoplast fusion of the genus Cellulomonas, protoplasts of Cellulomonas flavigena NCIB 12901 and Cellulomonas bibula NCIB 8142 were fused and cell wall regenerated. To give gene maker, C. bibula was treated with 500 ug/ml NTG for 1 hr and arginine requiring auxotrophic mutants were isolated. Protoplasts of the genus Cellulomonas were obtained by treatment with 600 ug/ml lysozyme, and 0.5M sorbitol was optimal for osmotic stabilizer on protoplast fromation. Protoplast fusion was enhanced by 40% PEG)M.W.6,000) containing 25 mM CaCl_2 at 30℃ for 30 min and fusion frequency between C. bibula and C. flavigena was 5×10^-4. Processes of protoplast formation, cell wall regeneration and protoplast fusion were observed by scanning electron microscope. By comparing enzyme activities of cellulase, exocellobiohydrolase, β-glucosidase of the parent strains of Cellulomonas with those of thier mutants and fusants, fusants with increased enzyme activity were obtained. By the studies on nutritional requirement, antibiotic resistance, cellulolytic enzyme activities, type of peptidoglycan and motility of two mutants and fusants, fusants were proved to be recombinant of both mutant strains. |
