1971 Volume 17 Issue 2 Pages 161-166
The DNA base composition (GC content) of 44 strains of Torulopsis and related yeasts which represented 33 species and 2 varieties was studied. The GC contents of these yeasts ranged from 32.4 to 60.0%. Intrageneric variation was about 28%. The GC content was distributed rather continuously from low to high values and no prominent groups were detected on this basis. The wide range of Intrageneric variation and the pattern of distribution of the GC content indicated the heterogeneity and complexity of this genus.
Urease-positive species were classified into 2 groups. One had relatively high GC content and was assumed to be related to heterobasidiomycetes, and the other had relatively low GC content and was assumed to be related to Schizosaccharomyces, though these two groups were not clearly discriminated only on the basis of their GC content.