ABSTRACT
The osmotic sensitivity of protoplasts necessitates support by an external, non-penetrating solute to match the osmolality of the protoplasm. Distinction between spheroplast and protoplast ultimately rests on examination at the electron microscope level. The osmotic sensitivity of protoplasts necessitates support by an external, non-penetrating solute to match the osmolality of the protoplasm. Within certain restraints yeast protoplasts are very convenient biological material for a variety of biochemical and biophysical investigations. The phenomenon of cell wall regeneration in yeast protoplasts provides approach to some intriguing questions about the disposition of polymers within the cell envelope. In many instances the main purpose in making protoplasts is to explore the plasma membrane and not have to contend with the cell wall. Enzymes from the snail digestive tract continue to be the most popular agents because they attack the widest range of yeast species.
