Abstract
Sclerotia and mycelium ofPhymatotrichum omnivorum were exposed to anhydrous ammonia (NH3) and then observed with an electron microscope in order to determine the effects of the NH3 treatment on the fungal membranes. Sclerotia were exposed to four rates of NH3: 28, 56, 84, and 112 μg NH3/ml of air for 24 hours. At 28 μg/ml, the plasmalemma became wavy and the mitochondrial cristae began to swell and disperse. At 56 μg NH3/ml the plasmalemma showed breakage and formation of vesicles, and all other membrane systems within the cell were broken and distorted. All membranes were totally disrupted and no organelles were recognizable at 84 μg NH3/ ml.
Mycelium was exposed to 2, 4, 8, 20, and 40 μg NH3/ ml for one minute. Damage to cell membranes was not observed at NH3 cone. up to 4 μg/ ml. At 8 μg NH3/ ml the plasmalemma was broken and the mitochondria were disrupted. At 20 μg/ ml and above, all internal organization was destroyed.
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Rush, C.M., Lyda, S.D. The effects of anhydrous ammonia on membrane stability ofP.hymatotrichum omnivorum . Mycopathologia 79, 147–152 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01837194
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01837194