Abstract

Somatogamy by rhizoidal anastomosis initiates sexual reproduction and resting body formation in Chytriomyces hyalinus Karling. At least two external factors influence somatogamy: the level of nutrients available and the chance association of rhizoids of young thalli (germlings). Syngamy and resting body development occurs in axenic culture when germlings are developing on a nutrient‐depleted substrate and when the rhizoids of two germlings (contributing thalli) anastomose. After anastomosis, the contents of the two contributing thalli flow into a swelling (incipient fusion body) which develops near the point of anastomosis. Nuclear fusion occurs in the fusion body (incipient resting body). After nuclear fusion, the resting body continues to enlarge, its wall thickens, and lipoid inclusions coalesce to form a large refractile globule. This sexual process is better referred to as somatogamy rather than Siphonaria‐type sexual reproduction.

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