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Maturation of conidia on conidiophores of Aspergillus niger

Wieke R Teertstra1, Martin Tegelaar1, Jan Dijksterhuis2

  • 1Microbiology, Department of Biology, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands.

Fungal Genetics and Biology : FG & B
|December 25, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Aspergillus niger conidia heterogeneity impacts survival. Younger spores show higher germination and dispersal, suggesting a survival advantage in changing environments.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Microbial Physiology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Aspergillus niger produces conidia on conidiophores for asexual reproduction.
  • Understanding conidia maturation is crucial for fungal biology and ecology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the maturation process of Aspergillus niger conidia.
  • To characterize the physiological and molecular differences in conidia at various developmental stages.

Main Methods:

  • Assessing conidia heat resistance, metabolic activity (CO2 release, Tempone conversion).
  • Gene expression analysis comparing 2-day-old with 5- and 8-day-old conidia.
  • Quantifying melanin content, mannitol levels, and germination rates.
  • Evaluating dispersal efficiency via water, wind, and hydrophobic objects.

Main Results:

  • Conidia aged 2, 5, and 8 days showed similar heat resistance and metabolic activity.
  • Significant gene expression changes (⩾2-fold) were observed between 2-day-old and older conidia.
  • Younger conidia had higher mannitol content, germination rates, and easier melanin extraction.
  • Older conidia exhibited lower water dispersal efficiency, but wind and hydrophobic dispersal remained similar.

Conclusions:

  • A single Aspergillus niger colony releases a heterogeneous population of conidia.
  • This heterogeneity, with varying physiological traits, confers a selective advantage in dynamic environments.
  • Conidial heterogeneity aids survival and adaptation, particularly concerning water availability fluctuations.
Keywords:
Asexual reproductionAspergillusConidiaDevelopmentDispersalFungus

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