Structural features of sugars that trigger or support conidial germination in the filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger.

ABSTRACT: The asexual spores (conidia) of Aspergillus niger germinate to produce hyphae under appropriate conditions. Germination is initiated by conidial swelling and mobilization of internal carbon and energy stores, followed by polarization and emergence of a hyphal germ tube. The effects of different pyranose sugars, all analogues of d-glucose, on the germination of A. niger conidia were explored, and we define germination as the transition from a dormant conidium into a germling. Within germination, we distinguish two distinct stages, the initial swelling of the conidium and subsequent polarized growth. The stage of conidial swelling requires a germination trigger, which we define as a compound that is sensed by the conidium and which leads to catabolism of d-trehalose and isotropic growth. Sug

SUBMITTER: Hayer K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3811532 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature