Related Experiment Videos
The 45Ca2+ uptake by Trichoderma viride mycelium. Correlation with growth and conidiation
S Krystofová1, L Varecka, V Betina
1Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Biology, Slovak Technical University, Bratislava, Slovakia.
General Physiology and Biophysics
|August 1, 1995
Summary
Calcium (Ca2+) uptake in Trichoderma viride is a time- and temperature-dependent process. Perturbing Ca2+ homeostasis affects fungal growth and conidiation, with heavy metal ions potentially targeting the plasma membrane.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Calcium ions (Ca2+) play crucial roles in cellular processes across diverse organisms.
- Understanding Ca2+ homeostasis in fungi like Trichoderma viride is vital for comprehending their physiology and potential applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics of Ca2+ uptake in Trichoderma viride.
- To examine the impact of agents affecting Ca2+ homeostasis on fungal growth, conidiation, and Ca2+ uptake.
Main Methods:
- Utilized radionuclide 45Ca2+ to quantify calcium uptake in T. viride mycelium.
- Assessed the effects of various agents, including EGTA, heavy metal ions, and monovalent cations, on Ca2+ uptake, growth, and conidiation.
Main Results:
- Ca2+ uptake in T. viride is time- and temperature-dependent and distinct from simple binding.
- Agents perturbing Ca2+ homeostasis exhibited dual effects on Ca2+ uptake, with varying impacts on growth and conidiation.
- Heavy metal ions like Co2+ and Cd2+ inhibited both Ca2+ uptake and growth, while others induced massive Ca2+ uptake.
- EGTA-induced Ca2+ deprivation restricted vegetative growth and conidiation.
Conclusions:
- A sustained Ca2+ influx occurs across the T. viride plasma membrane.
- The plasma membrane may be a target for antifungal heavy metal ions, disrupting physiological processes.
- Ca2+ influx properties in T. viride differ significantly from those observed in animal cells.