Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Investigating Teliospore Germination Using Microrespiration Analysis and Microdissection
Published on: May 13, 2018
Germination and growth of neurospora at low water activities
1Division of Biology, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, Calif. 91109.
Abstract:
When the water activity (a(w)) of the medium is lowered by the addition of NaCl or nonelectrolytes, an inhibition of germination, growth rate, and total growth is observed in Neurospora crassa. Inhibition of conidial germination is separable from the other effects and is caused, in large measure, by the loss from conidia in media of low water activity of a substance that is essential for their germination. The substance is detectable in the medium and is also extractable from cultures. It is dialysable and thermostable, and it appears to be highly active. It is not detectable in complete medium.
Related Concept Videos
Factors Influencing Microbial Growth: Osmolarity
Fungal Group Zygomycota
Microbial Growth Media

