Fungal Morphogenesis: Ring Formation and Closure by Arthrobotrys dactyloides

Abstract

The formation and the closure of constricting rings by a nematode-trapping fungus were recorded by means of time-lapse cinephotomicrography. Analysis of the film revealed that hyphal rings resulted from a sequence of morphological events not previouisly described. Cell inflation and ring constriction were induced by touch, increased temperature, and electrical stimutlation. The inflation process was not particularly sensitive to metabolic inhibitors and appears to operate without an expenditutre of energy on the part of the cell.