Adenine and pyridine nucleotide levels during calcium-induced conidiation in Penicillium notatum.

Concentrations of adenine and pyridine nucleotides and the associated charge values were examined in extracts of mycelium of Penicillium notatum during vegetative growth and reproductive development promoted by the addition of Ca2+ (10 mmol dm-3). The significant increase in adenylate energy charge promoted by Ca2+ was due to a fall in intracellular AMP and a concomitant rise in ATP concentration. Intracellular concentrations of NADH and NAD fell within 1 h of the addition of Ca2+. The catabolic reduction charge was unchanged by Ca2+ whilst the anabolic reduction charge increased in Ca2+-induced mycelium due to lowered intracellular NADP concentration. Reduced concentration of NADPH in Ca2+-induced mycelium, relative to the vegetative controls, lowered the phosphorylated nucleotide fraction. The results are discussed in relation to metabolic economy during morphogenesis in P. notatum.