Polysaccharides as Aids in Fungal Taxonomy

In certain instances, the exocellular and intracellular polysaccharides of yeasts have been used by taxonomists as an aid in classification of the parent organisms. For example, Lipomyces lipoferus may readily be distinguished from Lipomyces starkeyi by the sugars formed on partial and on complete hydrolysis of their exocellular polysaccharides (see Table VII), a differentiation that is difficult if morphological characteristics and sugar-utilization patterns are used.  

Yeasts of the genus Trichosporon can also be sub-classified into three groups according to their polysaccharide components. Whereas a-D-linked D-galactomannans occur as cell components of Trichosporon fermentans, Trichosporon hellenicum, and Trichosporon penicillatum, pentosylmannans are formed by Trichosporon cutaneum, Trichosporon inkin, Trichosporon pullulans, Trichosporon undulatum, and Trichosporon sericeum. Trichosporon aculateum, on 

Species Source NRRL number Lactose assimilation degrees Mannose Sugars present Galactose Glucuronic acid 

Properties of Exocellular Heteropolysaccharides from Cryptococcua and Tremella species 

Organism NRRL number [a], degrees Molar ratios relative to glucuronic acid Acetyl Mannose Xylose  

---