Inhibitory effect of 2‐deoxy‐glucose on cell wall synthesis in cells and protoplasts of Schizosaccharomyces pombe

Abstract

AbstractA study has been made of changes in cell walls and ultrastructure of cells and regenerating protoplasts of Schizosaccharomyces pombe grown in different concentrations of 2‐deoxyglucose (2DG). At concentrations of 0.1% and higher the inhibitor reversibly blocked growth of cells and protoplasts and completely inhibited cell wall synthesis. Concentrations of 0.05% and lower allowed protoplasts to grow and induced early or late lysis in normal cells. On the surface of protoplasts only the fibrillar component was formed; secretion of the soluble fraction ceased. The early lysis of the cells was a result of degradation of cell wall material at growing sites (concentration of 2DG 0.02–0.05%), the late lysis occurred in cells with weakened growing regions, where aberrant material was deposited (concentrations 0.01–0.02%). Concentrations of 2DG below 0.01% did not affect the growth of the cells or the reversion of protoplasts to normal cells. 2DG was not incorporated into the walls of cells or regenerating protoplasts, and did not influence the ultrastructure of cells or protoplasts except for the effects on the cell wall.