Effects of Culture Density on the Kinetics of Germ Tube Formation in Candida albicans

Abstract

The relationship between culture density or phase of growth at 24.5.degree. C and the ability of C. albicans to form germ tubes when shifted to 37.degree. C was investigated. Evidence is presented demontrating germ tube production from liquid synthetic medium cultures at all phases of growth. Previous studies reported that only cells from stationary phase cultures were competent to form germ tubes. Comparisons between exponential and stationary phase cultures indicate more rapid and more synchronous germ tube production from cells growing in the exponential phase.