Effect of different stresses on trehalose levels in Rhizopus oryzae

Abstract

Rhizopus oryzae accumulates and degrades trehalose in response to environmental stress conditions such as heat, osmotic stress, nitrogen starvation and pH. When heat stress was applied to R. oryzae, the trehalose content of the cells was increased from 0.9 to 4.8 mg/g dw and when the stress was relieved it decreased back to 1.1 mg/g dw. Under osmotic stress and nitrogen starvation, trehalose content was increased by 3.5 and 3 fold, respectively. The decrease in external pH increased trehalose level up to 2.6 mg/g dw from 1.1 mg/g dw. Increased trehalose level decreased back to normal after pH stress was relieved. These results indicate that trehalose accumulates and acts as a stress protectant in R. oryzae.