Chapter 21 - Clavispora Rodrigues de Miranda (1979)

Abstract

This chapter studies the genus Clavispora. In the determination of asexual reproduction, cells are ovoid, ellipsoidal, or elongate and divide by multilateral budding on a narrow base. Pseudohyphae may be formed, but true hyphae are absent. In sexual reproduction it is seen that conjugation of haploid cells of opposite mating types usually precedes ascus formation. Bud–parent conjugation is also possible. Ascospores are usually clavate, rarely ovoid to spherical, and sometimes contain a small oil droplet. One or two (rarely three or four) ascospores are formed per ascus. The spore wall may have small warts, which are visible by electron microscopy. The spores are easily liberated from the ascus. In physiology and biochemistry it is seen that glucose is fermented. Nitrate is not assimilated. Coenzyme Q-8 is formed. The diazonium blue B reaction is negative. This study further examines the phylogenetic placement where Clavispora is a sister genus to Metschnikowia in the family Metschnikowiaceae. The type of species mentioned is Clavispora lusitaniae. The species accepted are Clavispora lusitaniae and Clavispora opuntiae. The systematic discussion of the species includes growth on YM agar, growth in glucose-yeast extract broth, Dalmau plate culture on corn meal agar, formation of ascospores, CoQ, Mol% G1C, gene sequence accession numbers, type strain, cell carbohydrates, origin of the strains studied, complementary mating types, systematics, ecology, biotechnology, agriculture and food, and clinical importance.