The phenoloxidases of the ascomycete Podospora anserina

Abstract

Eight mutants were isolated following mutagen treatment which are deficient in laccase formation. Seven of these had a pleiotropic effect and exhibited defects in growth rate and in mycelial and sexual morphology. By means of tetrad analysis the mutations were assigned to 6 loci. Three mutations were in the incolora locus, the others were non-allelic. Only two of these loci were closely linked. All genes exhibit numerous interactions. These concern the morphological expression of the laccase genes and also the laccase spectra. The mutants could be separated into four classes on the basis of the amount and type of laccase produced. Five of the loci studied appear to be structural genes because mutation alters the physical properties of the laccase protein. The sixth gene has a regulatory role.