Hostname: page-component-8448b6f56d-cfpbc Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-04-18T05:37:42.995Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

The fungal dining habit: a biomechanical perspective

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 September 2004

NICHOLAS P. MONEY
Affiliation:
Department of Botany, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio 45056, USAmoneynp@muohio.edu
Get access

Abstract

Invasive hyphal growth allows filamentous fungi to insinuate themselves in the solid materials that serve as their food sources. Hyphae overcome the mechanical resistance of plant and animal tissues, and other substances through the secretion of digestive enzymes and the exertion of force. This force is derived from the osmotically-generated turgor pressure within the hypha and is governed by wall loosening at the growing apex. This article offers a concise description of the biomechanics of this process.

Type
Original Article
Copyright
© 2004 Cambridge University Press

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)