Fission Yeast Cell Wall Analysis.

The cell wall is a rigid exoskeletal structure mainly composed of interlinked glucose polysaccharides and galactomannoproteins. It is essential for survival of the fission yeast, as it prevents cells from bursting from internal turgor pressure and protects them from mechanical injuries. Additionally, the cell wall determines the cell shape and, therefore, a better knowledge of cell wall structure and composition could provide valuable data in morphogenetic studies. Here, we provide information about this structure and the current reliable methods for rapid analysis of the cell wall polymers by specific enzymatic and chemical degradations of purified cell walls.