Effects of selected synthetic compounds on growth of Mucor rouxii

The in vitro activity of four synthetic compounds was tested on fungal cells from Mucor rouxii. The compounds included phenylenediamine, two phenolamines, and quinone. At the concentrations tested (10(-2)-10(-4)M) the compounds exhibited antifungal activity, with the exception of quinone. On the basis of their effects on spore germination, and development of hyphae, phenylenediamine was the more active. The mechanism of action of the compounds is still unknown, but hyphae show morphological alterations and disturb the distribution of calcofluor in the cell wall. This suggests variations in the genesis of the cell wall.