Abstract: Objective To explore the influence of HOG1 gene on ultrastructure of Candida albicans.Methods Ultrastructure of Candida albicans in HOG21 group (hog1/hog1 double mutant) and WT group (wild type) were observed under scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM).Result Under scanning electron microscope, two groups of cells appeared round or ellipse with multilateral buds growing.The HOG1 gene mutant were rough and uneven with less numbers of buds,while WT cells appeared smooth with much more petal-like budding scars.Under transmission electron microscope,the walls of HOG1 gene mutant cells were incomplete while the structure of wild type cell’s wall was integral. The cytoplasmic membrane of HOG1 gene mutant cell changed in the presence of evaginations ,discontinuity,budding of small vesicles accumulated around the cell membrane.Conclusions HOG1 gene may paly a role in the structure of cell’s wall of Candida albicans.

Key words: Candida albicans, HOG1 gene, ultrastructure