Do hyphae pulse as they grow?

Abstract

Here I argue that a fine helical growth form is likely to occur and could indeed explain the observed growth pulses for most hyphae. It should be possible to detect helical growth by comparing the sway of the tip in the x-y axis with the changes in growth rate (Fig. 2) or by discerning the pattern of cell wall expansion. In doing this researchers will be able to differentiate between helical growth and growth pulses. This is important given that both types of growth may occur together and helical growth superimposed on pulsatile growth would confound attempts to measure changes in growth rate. It is important to know which growth types are occurring and to what extent as it may well be that the physiology and function vary for the different forms of growth. Keeping these requirements in mind it should be possible to investigate growth pulses and helical growth to undertake a range of exciting physiological experiments that will help us to better understand the way that hyphae grow.