Opaque-white phenotype transition: a programmed morphological transition in Candida albicans. |
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Authors: | E H Rikkerink B B Magee P T Magee |
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Affiliation: | Department of Microbiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824-1101. |
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Abstract: | This paper reports that the opaque and white phenotypes of Candida albicans constitute a true high-frequency reversible transition system. The rDNA restriction fragment and orthogonal field alternating gel electrophoresis profiles of opaque and white phenotypes are indistinguishable, and a genetic marker introduced into a white strain is present in all opaque derivatives of this strain. Opaque and white derivatives appear markedly different on a bismuth indicator medium and differ in a number of other respects. We have used bismuth medium to examine the spontaneous and temperature-induced frequencies of transition from opaque to white. The temperature-induced transition from opaque to white does not occur when opaque cells are held in water. |
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