コウジカビコロニーの成長過程における秩序性と複雑性の出現

概要

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In an attempt to obtain a colony morphology diagram of the fungus Aspergillus oryzae under various glucose (as a nutrient) and agar (controlling substrate stiffness) contents, we have found no clear cut morphological boundary. However, in the wide range of these conditions, we have found a switching phenomenon from uniform to splitting growth in the colony growth processes. In this paper, this switching behavior is described both macroscopically and microscopically. First, localization of the growth sites in the early stage of colony growth is described. Second, by using the spore germination rate as an indicater of medium conditions, we have detected deterioration of the medium surface near a growing colony occuring during the uniform growth phase before splitting. Third, a couple of morphological variations of the hyphal colony, found in the splitting phase, is described in view of the different energy redistribution strategy. Further, through microscopic observation of the configuration of leading hyphal tips in the colony interface, repetition of exploration-filling behaviors which might control large scale roughening has been found in the splitting growth phase. Finally, we suggest that there may be an underlying modularity in the hyphal systems.
1996-03-30