Wall Composition of Monokaryons and Dikaryons of Coprinus cinereus

Abstract

Large differences occur in the composition of the walls at different stages. The values of 33.4 and 26.8% chitin in the walls of the monokaryons compares well with values quoted by O''Brien and Ralph for other basidiomycetes. Chitin content in the secondary mycelial phase fell to 10.1%. Glucan and chitin synthesis may not be rigidly integrated, and under conditions of rapid vegetative hyphal extension growth, glucan synthesis may be relatively more rapid than chitin synthesis. The slowing of tip extension growth associated with the onset of fruiting may contribute to the increase of chitin in the stipes. All samples appeared to have the alkali-soluble (1 .fwdarw. 3)-linked .beta.-glucan with (1 .fwdarw. 6)-linked branch points on 14% of the residues, but the monokaryons had a mixed fraction forming about 10% of the wall which could be reprecipitated from the alkali-soluble fraction in the same way that the S-fraction of Schizophyllum commune can be precipitated. Variations in protein content were difficult to relate to structure or development.