The Chlamydospore of Candida albicans.

Abstract

Summary: The chlamydospore of Candida albicans is a disputable growth from the point of view of its development and function. On the basis of light microscopic as well as scanning electron microscopic (SEM) investigations difficulties of distinguishing chlamydospores and their holding structure are discussed by the authors. Attempts are made to draw conclusions from some morphological properties on the ancient, reproductive organ function of the chlamydospores. Zusammenfassung: Die Chlamydospore von Candida albicans ist ein Formelement, dessen Entwicklung und Funktion umstritten ist. Auf der Grundlage von licht‐ und rasterelektronenmikroskopischen Untersuchungen werden die Schwierigkeiten der Unterscheidung der Chlamydosporen und ihrer Trägerapparate von den Autoren diskutiert. Es wird versucht, aus einigen morphologischen und physiologischen Eigenschaften auf die ursprüngliche, reproduktive Organfunktion der Chlamydosporen zu schließen.

Scanning Electron Microscopy of Candida albicans Chlamydospores

“…The terminal csp was connected to an amphore-like portion of the pseudohypha. We termed this amphore-like part suspensor cell (2). It was usual that an electron dense disc could be demonstrated between the csp and the suspensor cell ( Fig.…”

“…The most characteristic feature of this species is the chlamydospore (csp) producing ability. Csps represent a characteristic organ of the whole life cycle of C. albicans, however, their supposedly propagative or vegetative function has been lost during the phylogenesis (2).…”