The Use of Step Enzymes as Markers During Meiosis and Ascospore Formation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Abstract

The activities of ornithine aminotransferase, sucrase and acid and alkaline phosphatases were studied throughout sporulation in S. cerevisiae. The same enzymes were monitored during synchronous vegetative growth. Each of these enzymes has been demonstrated to increase in a step manner during both growth and sporulation. Alkaline phosphatase increased in a 2-step manner whereas the others increased in a single step. The times of increase of these enzymes formed a similar sequence during both sporulation and growth. These enzymes may be under a common mechanism of control during growth and sporulation and that the sequence of enzyme appearance may be used as markers of the sporulation process.