Cytochemical localization of certain hydrolytic enzymes at various stages of development of Achlya flagellata mycelium

Abstract

The standard coupling azo dyes techniques were used to reveal the activities of acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, esterase and β-galactoidase in the vegetative and reproductive cycle of Achlya flagellata. The end-products of the enzymic reactions, with the exception of E 600 sentisive esterese, which is localized in cytoplasm, occured in cytoplasmic granules. These granules are expected to be spherosomes. Acid phosphatase activity is high in differentiating sporangia, in antheridial hyphae and in degenerating oospheres where hydrolytic processes occur. β-galactosidase is the least active enzyme in the mycelium of Achlya.