Studies ON MUCORALEAN MYCOPARASITES

Abstract

SUMMARYDiffusible, non-volatile factors from hyphae of Mortierella vinacea and Mycotypha microspora directed growth of Piptocephalis fimbriata germ tubes towards them. Such factors were also present in Y-phase cells of Mycotypha microspora but were not released from them. They were absent from hyphae of Circinella mucoroides wbicb was nevertheless susceptible to attack by Piptocephalis fimbriata. Growth-directing factors were extracted from sporelings of Mortierella vinacea and partially characterized. They were hydrophilic, thermo-labile, positively cbarged and appeared to be either proteinaceous or bound to proteins. Tbe consequences of directed growth of Piptocephalis fimbriata towards its bosts are discussed in relation to tbe process of mycoparasitism.

Detection of Low-Mr Glycoproteins in Surface Washes of Some Fungal Cultures by Gel-filtration HPLC and by Monoclonal Antibodies

“…Little is known at a molecular level about the outermost surfaces of fungal hyphae and the processes involved in cell recognition and interaction which must take place at or near their surfaces (Callow et al, 1987;Evans & Cooke, 1982). This is in contrast to the extensive studies on the surface nature of medically important bacteria and viruses which have led to the identification of many of their surface compounds and to a further understanding of how they stimulate host responses (Hadley, 1986;Brubaker, 1985 ;Roantree, 1967).…”