The application of fungal protoplasts in biotechnology
Deed, A.; Seviour, R.J.
Australian Journal of Biotechnology 4(3): 212-223
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0819-3355 PMID: 1366717 Document Number: 356781
Fungal protoplasts are used (1) in the study of biochemical processes of fungal metabolism; (2) in the production of secondary metabolites; (3) as systems for obtaining cell-free extracts; (4) in physiological studies; and (5) in genetic studies. This review critically examines these uses and provides information on methodologies for protoplast isolation, mechanisms of protoplast release, and regeneration and reversion of protoplasts. It is concluded that the availability of reliable and active commercial enzyme preparations has made obtaining fungal protoplasts a routine operation. The advantages of protoplasts for physiological and genetic studies have yet to be exploited for a wide range of fungi.