Carbohydrate accumulation during the sporulation of yeast.

The sporulation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is characterized by an increase in dry weight without cell division. At least 67% of the dry weight increase is due to the synthesis of cellular carbohydrates consisting of trehalose and insoluble components. The insoluble carbohydrates accumulate only during the period preceding the actual formation of visible ascospores. The trehalose accumulates throughout the sporulation cycle and is specifically localized in the ascospore.