DIFFERENTIATION AND SECONDARY METABOLISM IN SOME PROKARYOTES AND FUNGI

Relationships between growth and differentiation and secondary metabol ism in microorganisms are reviewed and discussed. The trophophase/idio phase concept is illustrated by patulin biosynthesis. Other features o f the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites (such as beta-lactams, myc ophenolic acid, rubratoxin, enniatin, tentoxin and citrinin) are also presented. Examples of secondary metabolism in relation to differentia tion of selected prokaryotes (bacteria and actinomycetes) are also giv en. The major part of the review concerns relationships of differentia tion and secondary metabolite production in fungi. The following metab olites are discussed: cephalosporin C, brefeldin A, ergot alkaloids, s olanopyrone phytotoxins. verruculogen, griseofulvin, penitrems, paxill ine, patulin, anthraquinones, mycosporines, P-factor, cyclopenin, cycl openol, zearalenone, and sex hormones of lower fungi (trisporic acid, antheridiol and sirenin).