Molecular approaches of a mitochondrial mutation inCandida utilis

Abstract

Analysis of the cytochrome spectra of a mitochondrial mutant ofCandida utilis showed complete absence of apocytochromeb; this suggests a certain degree of damage, probably a small deletion in themit genes of mitochondrial DNA. Oxygen uptake measurements with and without cyanide of the respiratory-competentCandida utilis parent strain and its derivative mitochondrial mutant P1,2 indicated the absence of the cyanide-sensitive or normal respiratory chain and a lowered rate of cyanide-insensitive or alternate respiration. Mitochondrial profiles and distribution of parental and mutant cells account for an altered mitochondrial DNA which affects mitochondria in the latter cell shape and function. The mutant cells ofCandida utilis were considered asmit − mutants from the observations reported here.