| Abstract: | The known species of yeasts produce at lest 180 different polysaccharides having mannose as a major constituent. The type of mannan formed is characteristic of the yeast species, and can be used as an aid in identification and classification. The immunological characteristics of yeasts depend largely upon the nature of the mannans. Some of the yeast mannans can be produced in relatively high yields, and have been suggested as replacements for plant and bacterial gums as thickeners, dispersing agents, and similar applications. However, more significant uses, based on the finer differences in their chemical structures and the specific reactions they undergo, may result from a closer study of these polymers. |
