an investigation into morphological variability in watermolds 2006 csurf research proposal ian g....
DESCRIPTION
Why Mold is Important Ecological decomposition Pharmacuticals Aspergillus terreus Plant pathogens Phytophtora infestans & P. cinnamomi Economically important Agriculture, biosynthesis, fermentation Animal pathogens - fish kills Ecological decomposition Pharmacuticals Aspergillus terreus Plant pathogens Phytophtora infestans & P. cinnamomi Economically important Agriculture, biosynthesis, fermentation Animal pathogens - fish killsTRANSCRIPT
An Investigation Into Morphological Variability in
Watermolds2006 CSURF Research
Proposal
Ian G. ShefferDepartment of Biology and Marine Biology
UNC Wilmington
Introduction What is watermold?
Not actually ‘true fungi’ but lie in Kingdom Stramenopila, Phylum Oomycota, related to heterokont algae
Unicellular, polynucleate absorptive feeders
Share many important characteristics with fungi
Nearly ubiquitous distribution
Why Mold is Important Ecological decomposition Pharmacuticals
Aspergillus terreus Plant pathogens
Phytophtora infestans & P. cinnamomi
Economically important Agriculture, biosynthesis, fermentation
Animal pathogens - fish kills
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Local Importance
The Identification Problem
History of identification problems in many fungal taxa, especially watermolds, resulting from high morphological variability
Constant revision and reclassification based on both morphologic and genetic data
No morphologic keys for many species, keys for others in constant flux
A Possible Cause
In organisms such as vascular plants and animals, there is only one nucleus per cell.
Watermold’s structural nature enables many nuclei to move freely throughout the thallus.
There is no set mechanism regulating movement of nuclei into reproductive structures.
Sexual Structures in Watermolds
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The Question
Watermolds are a large and diverse group of ecologically, economically and biologically important organisms, warranting scientific attention.
By working to resolve issues with their classification, we can reach a better understanding of them and their importance.
Our Investigation
Does the isolation procedure, which effects genetic variability, also effect morphologic variability?
7 propagules from one culture of a species of Saprolegnia will be isolated.
100 replicates of several key morphologic features will be examined.
Single Spore Isolation
Hyphal Tip Isolation
Expected Results and Implications
Expected results unknown, question has not been addressed before
Results could overturn decades old methodologies and classifications, or affirm methods currently in use