Strain Dependence of the Cell-expanding Effect of beta-1,3-Glucanase in Yeast

The effect of β-1, 3-glucanase on the cell expansion was studied with diploid strains of Saccharomyces ellipsoideus and S. cerevisiae, and their mutants differing in the response to auxin. The following results were obtained. Cell expansion was induced by β-1, 3-glucanase only in auxin-responsive or potentially auxin-responsive strains. β-1, 3-Glucanase induced cell expansion more rapidly than auxin. The cell wall of the auxin-responsive strain was more susceptible to digestion by β-l, 3-glucanase than that of the auxin-unresponsive one. The sensitivity of yeast cells to auxin action is discussed in relation to the nature of cell wall.