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Related Experiment Videos

Selection arena in Aspergillus nidulans.

Judith Bruggeman1, Alfons J M Debets, Rolf F Hoekstra

  • 1Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Plant Sciences, Wageningen University, Arboretumlaan 4, 6703 BD Wageningen, The Netherlands.

Fungal Genetics and Biology : FG & B
|January 21, 2004
PubMed
Summary

The selection arena hypothesis suggests progeny choice in Aspergillus nidulans. Mutations in dikaryons reduce sexual reproduction, ensuring only high-quality genetic material is passed on.

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Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • The selection arena hypothesis proposes that overproduction of zygotes allows for progeny choice.
  • Ascomycetous fungi like Aspergillus nidulans may overproduce dikaryotic fruit initials (dikaryons) as a similar mechanism.
  • Progeny choice could involve selecting which dikaryons will produce zygotes and sexual spores.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To test the selection arena hypothesis in the homothallic fungus Aspergillus nidulans.
  • To investigate the consequences of mutations on sexual and asexual reproduction in this fungus.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of two mitochondrial and 15 auxotrophic mutations.
  • Assessment of the effects of these mutations on sexual and asexual reproduction.

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  • Evaluation of dikaryon proliferation and sexual spore production under varying conditions.

    • Main Results:

    • Many analyzed mutations resulted in sexual self-sterility as a pleiotropic effect.
    • This occurred under conditions of normal asexual spore production.
    • Deleterious mutations in dikaryons prevented their proliferation and sexual spore production.

    Conclusions:

    • The findings support the selection arena hypothesis in Aspergillus nidulans.
    • The fungus effectively selects against dikaryons with deleterious mutations.
    • This mechanism ensures reproductive energy is focused on high-quality genetic material for sexual spores.