ON THE BIOLOGICAL FUNCTION OF THE 2 SPORULATION TYPES IN THE MUCOROUSFUNGUS BLAKESLEA TRISPORA

Temperature adaptation of Blakeslea trispora depends on its two sporul ation types. At high temperatures, stylospores form, which contain mor e trehalose and are more thermostable than the sporangiospores. Sporan giospores form after the temperature is lowered to 24-26 degrees C; th ey contain less trehalose and are less thermostable. The occurrence of inositol in (-) strain stylospores correlates with their increased th ermostability. The ability of sporangiospores to form mycelium contain ing more beta-carotene than stylospore-produced mycelium is discussed in connecton with the differences in the thermostabilty of the two spo re types.