A Gas Phase in Viable Fungal Spores

Abstract

WHEN the dark ascospore of Sordaria fimicola is examined dry, a round paler zone in the middle is invariably seen. If the spore is flooded with water, it is clear that this zone is a gas bubble which disappears in a few minutes. If the spore is again allowed to dry, very shortly after the last visible trace of external water has disappeared, a tiny intra-cellular gas bubble 2–3µ in diameter suddenly appears and rapidly enlarges. With further drying, as well as the enlargement of the bubble, the spore itself caves in to some extent. The separation of a gas phase seems to be an invariable concomitant of drying. It is easy to show that dry spores containing gas bubbles are fully capable of germination when placed in a suitable solution.