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Physiology and fine structure of sporangiospore germination in Piptocephalis unispora prior to infection

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Abstract

Germination of the sporangiospore of Piptocephalis unispora Benjamin, observed by means of light and electron microscopy, involved the formation of a new inner wall which became continous with the inner layer of the wall of the germ tube. The outer wall layer of the germ tube was continous with the original inner wall layer of the dormant spore. Preliminary details of appressorium structure were noted. Nutritional experiments indicated that sporangiospores required external sources of utilisable nitrogen and carbon compounds for maximal swelling and germ tube production. Limited development occurred when either nutrient was supplied singly. Comparison of germination of the asexual spore with that in other Mucorales, especially the Kickxellaceae, has been made, and the merosporangial status in P. unispora discussed.

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Abbreviations

CH:

casein hydrolysate

Q:

spore quotient

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Applied Biology, Chelsea College, University of London, Hortensia Road, SW10 0QX, London, England

    P. Jeffries

  2. Department of Applied Biology, Chelsea College, University of London, London, England

    T. W. K. Young

  3. Birkbeck College, University of London, London, England

    T. W. K. Young

Authors
  1. P. Jeffries
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  2. T. W. K. Young
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Jeffries, P., Young, T.W.K. Physiology and fine structure of sporangiospore germination in Piptocephalis unispora prior to infection. Arch. Microbiol. 107, 99–107 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00427874

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00427874

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