Pulsed-field gel electrophoretic analysis of Schizophyllum commune chromosomal DNA

Six chromosomal DNA bands of Schizophyllum commune have been resolved using transverse alternating field electrophoresis. The estimated sizes of the chromosomal DNAs ranged from 5.1 to 1.2 megabase pairs (Mb), the total genome size being approximately 35-36 Mb. Chromosomal length polymorphisms were found between the two S. commune isolates examined. The DNA bands corresponding to the two chromosomes containing the A and B mating-type loci were identified in hybridization experiments using probes specific to their respective linkage groups. The utility of eluted chromosomal DNAs as hybridization probes to select clones from genomic libraries, and the use of these clones in transformation experiments to identify genes of interest, are discussed.