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Cytological interrelationships between the cell cycle and duplication cycle of Candida albicans
Abstract:
The cytology of nuclear division and septation in the yeast and hyphal phases of Candida albicans growing at 37 degrees C has been studied by fluorescence microscopy after staining of specimens with 4'6-diaminido-2-phenylindole (DAPI) and Calcofluor. Yeast and hyphal cells replicated their nuclei at about 18 min after the emergence of a bud or germ-tube. The site of nuclear division coincided with the future location of the septum in both forms. This occurred at the junction of the bud and parent yeast cell or 6.0 micron from the parent yeast in germ tubes which were formed in medium containing serum. The filamentous forms of a range of clinical and laboratory strains grown in a variety of germ tube-inducing media were all extensively vacuolated. Germ tube extension in all of these media was linear. It is suggested that there is little biosynthesis of cytoplasm during the initial stages of germ tube growth in this organism and that this accounts for the development of the large vacuoles and the linear growth kinetics.
Insights
Nuclear division and septation in Candida albicans occur simultaneously with budding or germ-tube emergence. Initial germ tube growth involves linear extension with large vacuoles, suggesting limited cytoplasmic biosynthesis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
- Mycology
Background:
- Candida albicans exists in yeast and hyphal forms, crucial for its pathogenicity.
- Understanding cell division and growth dynamics is key to controlling fungal infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cytology of nuclear division and septation in both yeast and hyphal phases of Candida albicans.
- To correlate nuclear division timing with budding and germ-tube formation.
- To analyze the growth kinetics and cellular morphology during germ-tube extension.
Main Methods:
- Fluorescence microscopy was employed to study nuclear division and septation.
- Specimens were stained with 4'6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) and Calcofluor.
- Growth was observed in various germ tube-inducing media at 37°C.
Main Results:
- Nuclei replicated approximately 18 minutes after bud or germ-tube emergence in both phases.
- Nuclear division sites accurately predicted the location of septum formation.
- Filamentous forms exhibited extensive vacuolation, and germ tube extension was linear.
Conclusions:
- Nuclear division and septation are tightly coupled events in Candida albicans.
- Linear germ tube growth is likely due to minimal initial cytoplasmic biosynthesis, leading to vacuole development.
- These findings provide insights into the morphogenetic regulation of Candida albicans.