Oxylipin-coated hat-shaped ascospores of Ascoidea corymbosa

Can J Microbiol. 2006 Nov;52(11):1046-50. doi: 10.1139/w06-069.

Abstract

We previously implicated 3-hydroxy oxylipins and ascospore structure in ascospore release from enclosed asci. Using confocal laser scanning microscopy on cells stained with fluorescein-coupled, 3-hydroxy oxylipin-specific antibodies, we found that oxylipins are specifically associated with ascospores and not the vegetative cells or ascus wall of Ascoidea corymbosa. Using gas chromatography--mass spectrometry the oxylipin 3-hydroxy 17:0 could be identified. Here, we visualize for the first time the forced release of oxylipin-coated, hat-shaped ascospores from terminally torn asci, probably through turgor pressure. We suggest that oxylipin-coated, razor-sharp, hat-shaped ascospore brims may play a role in rupturing the ascus to affect release.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Wall / chemistry*
  • Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
  • Lipids / chemistry
  • Lipids / isolation & purification*
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Saccharomycetales / chemistry
  • Saccharomycetales / cytology*
  • Spores, Fungal / chemistry
  • Spores, Fungal / cytology*

Substances

  • Lipids