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Changes in dehydrogenases activity, number and ultrastructure of mitochondria in Aspergillus niger mycelium growing
1Department of Plant Cytology and Cytochemistry, University of Lódz, Poland.
Abstract:
Effects of toxic molasses compounds and of the antifoamer (Spumol BJ) on dehydrogenases activity, on the number and ultrastructure of mitochondria in A. niger mycelium of two strains characterized by different tolerance to toxic agents, were observed. In spite of significantly higher dehydrogenases activity in the intolerant strain (R-16) mycelia developing both on productive molasses in the presence of the defoamer and on non-productive molasses are characterized by marked reduction in the activity of these enzymes. Changes in respiratory enzymes activity are partly correlated with the number of mitochondria but mostly with abnormalities in their ultrastructure.
Insights
Toxic molasses compounds and antifoamers impact Aspergillus niger (A. niger) mitochondrial health and enzyme activity. Even tolerant strains show reduced enzyme function and mitochondrial damage when exposed to these substances.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Mycology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Toxic compounds in molasses can affect microbial metabolism.
- Antifoaming agents are used in industrial fermentation but their cellular effects are not fully understood.
- Aspergillus niger (A. niger) is a key industrial fungus sensitive to environmental toxins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of toxic molasses compounds and an antifoamer (Spumol BJ) on A. niger.
- To compare the responses of A. niger strains with different tolerances to toxic agents.
- To analyze the impact on dehydrogenases activity, mitochondrial number, and ultrastructure.
Main Methods:
- Culturing two A. niger strains with varying toxic tolerance on molasses media.
- Addition of antifoamer (Spumol BJ) to some cultures.
- Assessing dehydrogenases activity.
- Microscopic examination of mitochondrial number and ultrastructure.
Main Results:
- Intolerant A. niger strains showed significantly higher initial dehydrogenases activity.
- Both strains exhibited reduced dehydrogenases activity when exposed to toxic molasses and antifoamer.
- Mitochondrial ultrastructure abnormalities were observed, correlating with reduced enzyme activity.
- Changes in enzyme activity were partly linked to mitochondrial number but primarily to ultrastructural damage.
Conclusions:
- Toxic molasses compounds and antifoamers negatively impact A. niger cellular functions.
- Mitochondrial ultrastructure is a key indicator of cellular stress and toxicity in A. niger.
- Even A. niger strains with higher initial tolerance are susceptible to significant metabolic disruption.