The Influence of certain Micro-organisms on the Formation of Perithecia by Chaetomium globosum

Abstract

SUMMARY: The localized formation of perithecia in colonies of Chaetomium globosum growing in association with certain other micro-organisms (e.g. Aspergillus fumigatus) is associated with the presence of organic phosphates, especially phospho-glyceric acid, in the medium. These phosphates are normal metabolic products of the associated micro-organism, and only when they diffuse into the medium and locally reach a critical concentration does the fruiting response follow.