SECONDARY CONTROL OF CONJUGATION IN TREMELLA MESENTERICA

Abstract

Tests with eight isolates of T. mesenterica Fr. indicate that secondary control of conjugation in this species is by means of diffusible substances, i.e., hormones. The experiments suggest that at least two such substances are responsible for initiation of conjugation tube development. The A and a mating types each produce a substance or substances effective in initiating tube growth in the opposite type. The diffusing substances are nonvolatile, heat stable, and dialyzable; tube length appears to be correlated with the amount of diffusate present. It is suggested that, in addition to the substances initiating tube growth, one or more less stable substances regulate directional growth of the tubes as they approach one another.