Volatile factor involved in the dimorphism of Mucor racemosus.

Both hyphal and yeastlike development of Mucor racemosus and M. rouxii were demonstrated under 100% N2. Under standardized conditions in yeast extract-peptone-glucose medium, the morphology depended on the N2 flow rate and not on the glucose concentration. The effect was related to the rate of flushing of the atmosphere over the culture medium. The results indicate that a volatile compound produced by Mucor is involved in morphogenesis.