An Investigation Into Morphological Variability in

Watermolds2006 CSURF Research

Proposal

Ian G. ShefferDepartment of Biology and Marine Biology

UNC Wilmington

Introduction What is watermold?

Not actually ‘true fungi’ but lie in Kingdom Stramenopila, Phylum Oomycota, related to heterokont algae

Unicellular, polynucleate absorptive feeders

Share many important characteristics with fungi

Nearly ubiquitous distribution

Why Mold is Important Ecological decomposition Pharmacuticals

Aspergillus terreus Plant pathogens

Phytophtora infestans & P. cinnamomi

Economically important Agriculture, biosynthesis, fermentation

Animal pathogens - fish kills

QuickTime™ and aTIFF (LZW) decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

Local Importance

The Identification Problem

History of identification problems in many fungal taxa, especially watermolds, resulting from high morphological variability

Constant revision and reclassification based on both morphologic and genetic data

No morphologic keys for many species, keys for others in constant flux

A Possible Cause

In organisms such as vascular plants and animals, there is only one nucleus per cell.

Watermold’s structural nature enables many nuclei to move freely throughout the thallus.

There is no set mechanism regulating movement of nuclei into reproductive structures.

Sexual Structures in Watermolds

QuickTime™ and aTIFF (LZW) decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

The Question

Watermolds are a large and diverse group of ecologically, economically and biologically important organisms, warranting scientific attention.

By working to resolve issues with their classification, we can reach a better understanding of them and their importance.

Our Investigation

Does the isolation procedure, which effects genetic variability, also effect morphologic variability?

7 propagules from one culture of a species of Saprolegnia will be isolated.

100 replicates of several key morphologic features will be examined.

Single Spore Isolation

Hyphal Tip Isolation

Expected Results and Implications

Expected results unknown, question has not been addressed before

Results could overturn decades old methodologies and classifications, or affirm methods currently in use