Electron microscopy of the conidial protoplasts of Neurospova crassa

Abstract

Micromorphology of conidia resembles that of young hyphae except for the details of the cell wall structure, which is thicker and prominently developed in unhydrated conidia. Although mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum are present in ungerminated conidia, these organelles increase greatly during germination, and vacuoles increase in size and number. Naked protoplasts protrude through a small pore in the partially digested wall of the conidium. Free protoplasts synthesize new wall material when incubated in a regenerative mixture. Similarities and differences between conidial germination and protoplast formation and regeneration are noted.