Spores on the Wind-Part 6

Walter Piorkowski · Post by **Walter Piorkowski** » Mon Feb 19, 2007 11:40 am

Spores on the Wind-Part 6

Upper image:
Leitz Ortholux
Transmitted light brightfield
Leitz 40x Apo objective
8x GF WFC projection eyepiece with 1/3x relay lens

Lower image:
Nikon S-Kt set up as phase contrast unit
40X objective
5x projection eyepiece with1/2x relay lens

Canon 10D
Photoshop

I am no expert on spore germination but I believe that these samples were in that process, hence the root like extensions. ‘Wings’ like these would certainly give them lift and help the wind to transport them. The wings are common in my samples but normally require phase contrast to be seen.

Walt

bernhardinho · Post by **bernhardinho** » Mon Feb 19, 2007 12:23 pm

Hi Walt,

very interesting. These look like ascospores, don't you think.

Bernhard

MacroLuv · Post by **MacroLuv** » Mon Feb 19, 2007 12:33 pm

Like a corn seed sprouting.

Ken Ramos · Post by **Ken Ramos** » Mon Feb 19, 2007 4:15 pm

This appears to belong to the Ascomycota. I noticed in the the extended hyphae that there are at least three septa that are visible. There are some fungi which do not display these cell walls. What the septa do, is to give stability to the hyphae and prevent the loss of cytoplasm should the cell of the hyphae become locally damaged or if for some reason it ruptures. The ascomycota are parasites in a sense, but useful ones and can be found involved in the process of lichenization and within lichens themselves. Ascomycota also includes yeasts, bread moulds, and a number of edible fungi, one such fungi being truffles, which are the ascocarps. I found this to be interesting also, some species of ascomycota can digest kerosene and jet fuels, making themselves to be a problem in aircraft and other vehicles and equipment which use these fuels by clogging their fuel lines.

Great shot there Walt and I would guess that the spore is germinating. Ascomycota can thrive and grow under dry conditions, to my understanding.

Walter Piorkowski · Post by **Walter Piorkowski** » Tue Feb 20, 2007 11:51 am

Hello gentlemen. I always figured that what I was collecting were fungal and mold spores. Your comments Ken were very informative. I knew that the wings had a proper name - hyphae- but I couldn"t remember what it was. I googled hyphae for more info but septa is some thing that a search doesn't help with. Can you offer some more guidance as to what you are seeing regarding this subject.

Thanks Walt

bernhardinho · Post by **bernhardinho** » Tue Feb 20, 2007 12:07 pm

Hi Walt,

how about starting with this one:

http://www-micro.msb.le.ac.uk/224/myc1.html

Have fun!!

Bernhard

Walter Piorkowski · Post by **Walter Piorkowski** » Tue Feb 20, 2007 9:25 pm

Excellent site Bernhard, thank you very much. Being a member of this forum has taught me so much. This adds one more tidbit of knowledge to help me enjoy my hobby.

And thanks Ken for starting all this.
Walt

Ken Ramos · Post by **Ken Ramos** » Wed Feb 21, 2007 3:37 am

Walt said:

And thanks Ken for starting all this.

Start'n all of what

You're quite welcome Bruce