DNA Synthesis in Relation to Hyphal Branching and Wall Composition in Allomyces macrogynus

Abstract

In A. macrogynus the first replication of DNA occurred after germination, at the time of the first branching of rhizoids. Before the second replication galactan in the wall exceeded the glucan content and was not firmly attached. After the second DNA replication hyphallengthening commenced with an increase in the content of glucan but the walls lacked rigidity. At the time of the third replication walls underwent a change which commenced at the hyphal tip and worked back to the rhizoids, converting the hyphae to a rigid, cylindrical shape. Branching commenced after the fourth replication of DNA. Multiple branching occurred when mature plants were transferred to glucose-histidine-methionine solution without further DNA synthesis. Hyphal branching was used to show that A. macrogynus was able to use methionine, methionine sulfoxide, methionine sulfone, sodium sulfide, cysteine, cystathionine and homocysteine but not cystine. Thioacetamide supported growth through many subcultures showing that A. macrogynus can synthesize its sulfur amino acids.