An Investigation Into Morphological Variability in Watermolds

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An Investigation Into Morphological Variability
in Watermolds

• 2006 CSURF Research Proposal
• Ian G. Sheffer
• Department of Biology and Marine Biology
• UNC Wilmington

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Introduction

• What is watermold?
• Not actually true fungi but lie in Kingdom
  Stramenopila, Phylum Oomycota, related to
  heterokont algae
• Unicellular, polynucleate absorptive feeders
• Share many important characteristics with fungi
• Nearly ubiquitous distribution

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Why Mold is Important

• Ecological decomposition
• Pharmacuticals
• Aspergillus terreus
• Plant pathogens
• Phytophtora infestans P. cinnamomi
• Economically important
• Agriculture, biosynthesis, fermentation
• Animal pathogens - fish kills

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Local Importance
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The Identification Problem

• History of identification problems in many fungal
  taxa, especially watermolds, resulting from high
  morphological variability
• Constant revision and reclassification based on
  both morphologic and genetic data
• No morphologic keys for many species, keys for
  others in constant flux

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A Possible Cause

• In organisms such as vascular plants and
  animals, there is only one nucleus per cell.
• Watermolds structural nature enables many nuclei
  to move freely throughout the thallus.
• There is no set mechanism regulating movement of
  nuclei into reproductive structures.

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Sexual Structures in Watermolds
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The Question

• Watermolds are a large and diverse group of
  ecologically, economically and biologically
  important organisms, warranting scientific
  attention.
• By working to resolve issues with their
  classification, we can reach a better
  understanding of them and their importance.

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Our Investigation

• Does the isolation procedure, which effects
  genetic variability, also effect morphologic
  variability?
• 7 propagules from one culture of a species of
  Saprolegnia will be isolated.
• 100 replicates of several key morphologic
  features will be examined.

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Single Spore Isolation
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Hyphal Tip Isolation
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Expected Results and Implications

• Expected results unknown, question has not been
  addressed before
• Results could overturn decades old methodologies
  and classifications, or affirm methods currently
  in use