Evidence for glycogen structures associated with plasma membrane invaginations as visualized by freeze-substitution and the Thiery reaction in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

We have used a combination of freeze-substitution electron microscopy and specific reaction for polysaccharides to re-evaluate glycogen structures in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We also used mutant cells devoid of glycogen to confirm the glycogenic nature of the structures described. Previously described cytoplasmic aggregates were confirmed as glycogen granules. Moreover, an original structure was discovered. This is a ring of glycogen surrounding a finger- or pleat-like plasma membrane invagination. This structure could be physiologically significant in terms of channelling glucose to or from glycogen reserves.