Direct observation of the structure of mycelial cell walls from the potato blight fungus Phytophthora infestans by solid-state13C NMR

Abstract

Mycelial cell walls from the potato blight fungus (Phytophthora infestans) (Mont.) de Bary were examined in the solid state by 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy with cross‐polarization and magic‐angle spinning. The spectrum was free from interference by spinning sidebands. The main component of the cell walls had the spectral properties of a β‐(1,3′)‐glucan. Protein appeared to be present also. The presence of β‐(1,6′)‐linked glucose residues, cellulose or chitin was not ruled out, but there was no evidence for these as major components of the cell walls.