Effect of NaCl on the growth and morphology of Saccharomycopsis fibuligera.

The effect of NaCl on mycelial growth of Saccharomycopsis fibuligera was examined. Cells were able to grow in medium containing 1 M or 2 M NaCl after adaptation to the salt under standing culture conditions. It took more time to adapt to 2 M NaCl than to 1 M NaCl. Hollow-looking regions in the cells increased during incubation for 20 days in medium without salt, but diminished in cells incubated in medium containing either of the two concentrations of NaCl. The mycelial cells incubated in the medium containing salt were slimmer, and bubble shaped, and malformed cells were observed. The extent of the change was greater in 2 M NaCl than that in 1 M NaCl. NaCl protected cells from leaking, and produced malformed cells.