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A mathematical approach to studying fungal mycelia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 May 2004

GRAEME P. BOSWELL
Affiliation:
Division of Mathematics, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 4HN, UKgboswell@maths.dundee.ac.uk / fdavidso@maths.dundee.ac.uk
HELEN JACOBS
Affiliation:
Division of Environmental and Applied Biology, Biological Sciences Institute, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 4HN, UKh.jacobs@dundee.ac.uk / g.m.gadd@dundee.ac.uk
GEOFFREY M. GADD
Affiliation:
Division of Environmental and Applied Biology, Biological Sciences Institute, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 4HN, UKh.jacobs@dundee.ac.uk / g.m.gadd@dundee.ac.uk
KARL RITZ
Affiliation:
Permanent Address: National Soil Resources Institute, Cranfield University, Silsoe, MK45 4DT, UK e-mail: k.ritz@cranfield.ac.uk Soil-Plant Dynamics Group, Scottish Crop Research Institute, Invergowrie, DD2 5DA, UK
FORDYCE A. DAVIDSON
Affiliation:
Division of Mathematics, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 4HN, UKgboswell@maths.dundee.ac.uk / fdavidso@maths.dundee.ac.uk
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Abstract

The study of filamentous fungi can be difficult through experimental means alone due to the complexity of their natural growth habitat (e.g. soils) and the microscopic scale of growth (e.g. tip vesicle translocation and hyphal tip extension). Mathematical modelling provides a complimentary, powerful and efficient method of investigation. In this article, earlier mathematical models are briefly reviewed, before an overview of the construction and resultant predictions of a new model for fungal growth and function is given. Model predictions are compared to experimentally obtained data, giving new insight into the complex interaction between the developing mycelium and its environment.

Type
Original Article
Copyright
© 2003 Cambridge University Press

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