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Diversity and dynamics of the Spitzenkörper in growing hyphal tips of higher fungi

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Summary

The Spitzenkörper, located in the apex of growing hyphae of septate fungi, has been portrayed previously as a spheroid complex containing a cluster of apical (secretory) vesicles which sometimes encloses a differentiated core area. With the aid of computer-enhanced video microscopy and phase-contrast optics, we studied 32 fungi in the Ascomycetes, Deuteromycetes, Hyphomycetes, Basidiomycetes, and Agonomycetes. The Spitzenkörper appeared as a highly dynamic and pleomorphic multicomponent complex capable of changing shape, size, and position within the hyphal apex during growth. The main theme of this study is to demonstrate two kinds of morphological diversity/variation in Spitzenkörper from diverse fungi: (a) inherent diversity — Spitzenkörper features characteristic of particular fungi, and (b) dynamic pleomorphism — gradual or rapid changes in size, shape, and position of the Spitzenkörper within a single hyphal tip. Several components associated with the Spitzenkörper were identified: (a) vesicle cluster, (b) vesicle cloud, (c) differentiated core region(s) within the Spitzenkörper, (d) apical granules, (e) cytoplasmic filaments. Eight morphological patterns of Spitzenkörper organization are described in the higher fungi based on the shape and distribution of their components. An additional (ninth) pattern was recognized in the chytridiomyceteAllomyces macrogynous from recent work by others. All these patterns appeared to be conserved at the genus level. In all patterns but one, a core region was observed by light microscopy. The Spitzenkörper not only exhibited spontaneous dynamic pleomorphism but also reacted to stress conditions (light, mechanical, and electrical fields). These reactions include migration of the Spitzenkörper back into the subapical zone and/or disassembly of its components. The understanding and conceptualization of this dynamic complex is problematic and should remain flexible enough to encompass the diversity of Spitzenkörper patterns and the dynamic pleomorphism of this specialized apical apparatus which appears to drive hyphal tip growth in the higher fungi.

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Author notes

  1. Rosamaria Löpez-Franco

    Present address: Centro de Biotecnología, Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Purdue University, 47907-1057, West Lafayette, IN, USA

    Rosamaria Löpez-Franco & Charles E. Bracker

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  1. Rosamaria Löpez-Franco
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  2. Charles E. Bracker
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Correspondence to Charles E. Bracker.

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Dedicated to Professor Eldon H. Newcomb in recognition of his contributions to cell biology

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Löpez-Franco, R., Bracker, C.E. Diversity and dynamics of the Spitzenkörper in growing hyphal tips of higher fungi. Protoplasma 195, 90–111 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01279189

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01279189

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