High-Speed Spore Discharge Mechanisms among Fungi
Author Information
Author(s): Yafetto Levi, Carroll Loran, Cui Yunluan, Davis Diana J., Fischer Mark W. F., Henterly Andrew C., Kessler Jordan D., Kilroy Hayley A., Shidler Jacob B., Stolze-Rybczynski Jessica L., Sugawara Zachary, Money Nicholas P.
Primary Institution: Department of Botany, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, United States of America
Hypothesis
What are the mechanisms and speeds of spore discharge in coprophilous fungi?
Conclusion
The study found that high-speed spore discharge in fungi is powered by turgor pressures similar to those in fungal hyphae, without requiring special osmolyte accumulation mechanisms.
Supporting Evidence
- Launch speeds ranged from 2 to 25 m/s across the studied fungi.
- Measured accelerations reached up to 1.8 million m/s².
- Spore discharge distances were observed to be up to 2.5 meters.
Takeaway
Fungi can shoot their spores really fast, like tiny squirt guns, using pressure from fluids inside them.
Methodology
Ultra-high-speed video cameras were used to analyze spore discharge in four species of fungi, measuring launch speeds and accelerations.
Limitations
The study focused on only four species of fungi, which may not represent all spore discharge mechanisms.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website