Heavy metals have different effects on mycelial morphology of Achlya bisexualis as determined by fractal geometry

The morphological response, as measured by changes to mycelial area, radial extension and border fractal dimension, of the oomycete Achlya bisexualis to Cu, Co, Hg, Zn and Cd at concentrations of between 0.05 and 3 mM is described. All of the metals decreased mycelial area and radial extension. Bord...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inFEMS microbiology letters Vol. 201; no. 2; pp. 259 - 263
Main Authors Lundy, Sarah D., Payne, Richard J., Giles, Kristian R., Garrill, Ashley
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Elsevier B.V 24.07.2001
Subjects
Achlya bisexualis
Fractal geometry
Hypha
Metal ion
Mycelial morphology
Oomycete
Mycelial morphology
Metal ion
Fractal geometry
Achlya bisexualis
Hypha
Oomycete
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Summary:The morphological response, as measured by changes to mycelial area, radial extension and border fractal dimension, of the oomycete Achlya bisexualis to Cu, Co, Hg, Zn and Cd at concentrations of between 0.05 and 3 mM is described. All of the metals decreased mycelial area and radial extension. Border fractal dimension increased in the presence of Cu, Co and Hg with individual hyphae extending out beyond the mycelial margin. In the presence of 3 mM Hg these hyphae displayed spiral growth. Zn and Cd had no effect on border fractal dimension. We suggest that all of the metals slow growth and that Cu, Co and Hg may also disrupt the relationship between tip growth and branching at the edge of the mycelium.
ISSN:0378-1097
1574-6968
DOI:10.1016/S0378-1097(01)00279-8