Compatible solutes and fungal development.
Compatible solutes are components that can be quickly accumulated and degraded inside fungal cells. They do not disturb the functioning of proteins and protect the cell under adverse conditions. In this issue of the Biochemical Journal, Solomon and co-workers evaluate the role of mannitol, one of these components, in Stagonospora nodorum, a plant-pathogenic fungus, and find surprising effects on the development of spores and spore-forming structures.
Dijksterhuis
Jan
J
Applied and Industrial Mycology, Centraalbureau voor Schimmelcultures, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT, Utrecht, The Netherlands. dijksterhuis@cbs.knaw.nl
de Vries
Ronald P
RP
D008353:Mannitol / Q000378:metabolism*; D010935:Plant Diseases / Q000469:parasitology; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000469:parasitology; D013172:Spores, Fungal / Q000166:cytology / Q000254:growth & development*
D008353:Mannitol