Morphogenesis and wall chemistry of the yeast, "intermediate," and hyphal phases of the dimorphic fungus, Mycotypha poitrasii.

When Mycotypha poitrasii (Zygomcetes) is grown under standard conditions in liquid culture containing 1% polypeptone, 0.5% yeast extract, and variable glucose concentrations (0-6%), it displays mycelial--yeast conversion. "Intermediate" cells, isolated from cultures containing 2% glucose, are considered to represent a developmental phase in the process of morphogenesis. Distinct differences in the morphology and wall chemistry of the intermediate cells were demonstrated when compared to the yeast and hyphal forms. It is suggested that the trends evident from these comparative analyses reflect relationships between the alterations in cell wall chemistry and morphogenetic aspects of dimorphism.