Isolation of cell size mutants of a fission yeast by a new selective method: characterization of mutants and implications for division control mechanisms.

Previously known cell size (wee) mutations of fission yeast suppress the mitotic block caused by a defective cdc25 allele. Some 700 revertants of cdc25-22 were obtained after ultraviolet mutagenesis and selection at the restrictive temperature. Most revertants carried the original cdc25 lesion plus a mutation in or very close to the wee1 gene. Two partial wee1 mutations of a new type were found among the revertants. Two new wee mutations mapping at the cdc2 gene (cdc2-w mutants) were also obtained. The various mutations were examined for their effects on cell division size, their efficiency as cdc25 suppressors, and their dominance relations. Full wee1 mutations were found to suppress cdc25 lesions very efficiently, whereas partial wee1 mutations were poor suppressors. The cdc25 suppression ability of cdc2-w mutations was allele specific for cdc2, suggesting bifunctionality of the gene product. The wee1 mutations were recessive for cdc25 suppression; cdc2-w mutations were dominant. A model is proposed for the genetic control of mitotic timing and cell division size, in which the cdc2+ product is needed and is rate limiting for mitosis. The cdc2+ activity is inhibited by the wee1+ product, whereas the cdc25+ product relieves this inhibition.