Abstract
The ability to mate fungi in the laboratory is a valuable tool for genetic analysis and for classical strain improvement. In ascomycetous fungi, mating typically occurs between morphologically identical partners that are distinguished by their mating type. In most cases, the single mating-type locus conferring mating behavior consists of dissimilar DNA sequences (idiomorphs) in the mating partners. All ascomycete mating-type idiomorphs encode proteins with confirmed or putative DNA-binding motifs. These proteins control, as master regulatory transcription factors, pathways of cell speciation and sexual morphogenesis. Mating-type organization of four of the six classes of ascomycetes has been studied at the molecular level over the past 20 years. This review gives a short overview of the structural organization of the mating-type loci of yeasts and filamentous ascomycetes. In addition, this review describes how the availability of mating-type sequences allows the investigation of key issues concerning genetic and phylogenetic analyses of fungal species.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.