Ultrastructure of submerged non-alkaloid producing strains of Claviceps purpurea (Fr.) Tul.

Abstract

Summary Two non-alkaloid producing strains of Claviceps purpurea were investigated after cultivation in two different media.The ultrastructure of the hyphae depends on the composition, of the culture broth.The strain Pur 221 forms in, the “production” medium NL 720 thin-walled hyphae with several nuclei numerous mitochondria and ER membranes.In older hyphae most of the cell volume is occupied by polysaccharides. The strain Pur 218, grown in a rich medium, shows relatively thin-walled hyphae with large nuclei, short ER membranes and only a small number of lipid droplets.In a “production” medium hyphae of the same age contain 50% lipid related to the cell volume.It can be concluded from the electron micrographs that the composition of the lipids is changed during the cultivation.Morphometric analysis of the most important cell organelles allows a more precise description of the development of the fungus during cultivation and under different environmental conditions.