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The significance of hydrocarbon assimilation in yeast identification

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Abstract

A large number of yeasts were screened for the ability to assimilate hydrocarbons. Not only representatives of the genusCandida, but also species from other perfect and imperfect genera are able to usen-alkanes as sole carbon and energy source. The significance of this feature in yeast systematics is discussed. In general, all strains of a species share either the ability to assimilate hydrocarbons or the failure to do so. Exceptions are found in species regarded as heterogeneous, likeCandida sake, Candida diddensii andCandida zeylanoides. In cases where the usual criteria used in identification seem to be inadequate, the simple hydrocarbon assimilation test may be useful. Also in subgrouping the generaCandida andTorulopsis the test may be of value, because some perfect genera likeHansenula, Kluyveromyces andSaccharomyces lack hydrocarbon-assimilating representatives.

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  1. Laboratory of Microbiology, Delft University of Technology, Julianalaan 67A, Delft, the Netherlands

    P. Bos & Johanna C. de Bruyn

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  1. P. Bos
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  2. Johanna C. de Bruyn
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Bos, P., de Bruyn, J.C. The significance of hydrocarbon assimilation in yeast identification. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek 39, 99–107 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02578845

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