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Adsorption of actinophage Pal 6 to developing mycelium of Streptomyces albus
Abstract:
The adsorption of actinophage Pal 6 to mycelium of different ages was studied. The rate of phage adsorption to germinating spores increased with age, being maximal at about 4 h after start of germination. The number of plaque forming units (PFU) attached to mycelium had apparently decreased later, while the phage titer in the medium supernatant was also drastically reduced. These contradictory findings were explained by the increase in the adsorption capacity of the mature mycelium due to the formation of clumps, made of network structure which adsorbed many phages, but were counted as only 1 PFU each. The growth curve of the phage in fully developed mycelium and in germinating spores were compared.
Insights
Actinophage Pal 6 adsorption to fungal mycelium increases with spore germination age. Mature mycelium clumps reduce plaque-forming unit counts despite high phage adsorption.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Mycology
Background:
- Actinophages are viruses that infect actinobacteria.
- Fungal mycelium serves as a substrate for phage adsorption.
- Understanding phage-host interactions is crucial in microbial ecology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the adsorption of actinophage Pal 6 to fungal mycelium of varying ages.
- To elucidate the factors influencing phage adsorption rates and plaque-forming unit (PFU) counts.
- To compare phage growth curves in germinating spores versus mature mycelium.
Main Methods:
- Studying actinophage Pal 6 adsorption to mycelium at different developmental stages.
- Quantifying phage adsorption rates and PFU counts over time.
- Analyzing phage titer in the supernatant.
- Comparing phage growth curves.
Main Results:
- Phage adsorption rate to germinating spores increased with age, peaking at 4 hours.
- PFU counts attached to mycelium and phage titer in supernatant decreased later.
- Mature mycelium formed clumps, increasing adsorption capacity but reducing PFU counts.
- Phage growth curves differed between germinating spores and mature mycelium.
Conclusions:
- Mycelial age and structure significantly impact actinophage adsorption dynamics.
- Clump formation in mature mycelium can lead to underestimation of phage adsorption.
- Further research is needed to fully understand phage-host interactions in complex microbial environments.