A MATHEMATICAL-MODEL OF FUNGAL MORPHOLOGY

A universal parameter quantitatively characterizing the morphology of branching fungal mycelium is suggested, namely, the fractal dimension D. A program for generating of fractals with varying fractal dimension has been developed, together with a method for computation of fractal dimension of fungal mycelium input to the computer using scanner. Thi s parameter of fungal morphology is useful for creation of an effectiv e system of express control and handling of biotechnology processes an d characterizing of new strains of biological cultures obtained by sel ection.