Sex Problems in Algae, Fungi and Protozoa: A Critical Account Following the Review of R. A. Lewin

Abstract

In opposition to Lewin''s contentions that Hartmann''s thesis of a general bipolar sexuality and of a bisexual potency of isogamous monocious haploid algae is a "theoretical anthropomorphic concept" and that the existence of sex-specific agents (gamones) and relative sexuality in unicellular algae are doubtful, Hartmann reviews the evidences for these points from studies on not only unicellular algae, but also protozoa, multicellular algae, and fungi. Since one focal point in the dispute is the uniqueness and the validity of the work of Moewus, this is evaluated in the light of (1) recent attempts by Foerster and Wiese to repeat certain aspects of it and (2) independent comparable studies by others on other organisms. Bipolar sexuality and bisexual potency are claimed to have been demonstrated in the unicellular monoecious algae Acetabularia (Haemmerling), Stephanophaera and Protosiphon (Moewus). and Haematococcus (Lerche); in the multicellular monoecious alga Hydrodictyon (Rosenberg); and in the apparently isogamous and autogamous hypermastigote flagellates (Cleveland). Relative sexuality, with its basis in bipolar sexuality and bisexual potency, is claimed to have been demonstrated in the isogamous Phaeophycean Ectocarpus siliculosus (Hartmann). in the anisogamous ascomycetes Glomerella (Huettig) and Sordaria (Greis). in the isogamous hymenomycete Solenia (Greis), and in the flagellate Trichonympha (Cleveland). Evidence for the existence of sex-specific gamones is claimed for the algae Dasycladus (Jollos), Tetraspora (Geitler). Dunaliella (Lerche), Ectocarpus siliculosus (Hartmann), and Chlamydomonas eugametos (Moewus, though his biochemical analysis is said to be incorrect); and for the fungi Mucor (Burgeff), Achlya (Raper) and Bombardia (Zickler).