An Investigation Into
Morphological Variability
in Watermolds
2006 CSURF Research
Proposal
Ian G. Sheffer
Department of Biology and Marine Biology
UNC Wilmington
Introduction

What is watermold?
 Not actually ‘true fungi’ but lie in Kingdom
Stramenopila, Phylum Oomycota, related to
heterokont algae
 Unicellular, polynucleate absorptive feeders
 Share many important characteristics with fungi
 Nearly ubiquitous distribution
Why Mold is Important
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Ecological decomposition
Pharmacuticals
 Aspergillus terreus
Plant pathogens
 Phytophtora infestans & P. cinnamomi
Economically important
 Agriculture, biosynthesis, fermentation
Animal pathogens - fish kills
Local Importance
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The Identification
Problem
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History of identification problems in many
fungal taxa, especially watermolds, resulting
from high morphological variability
Constant revision and reclassification based
on both morphologic and genetic data
No morphologic keys for many species, keys
for others in constant flux
A Possible Cause
In organisms such as vascular plants and animals,
there is only one nucleus per cell.
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Watermold’s structural nature enables many nuclei
to move freely throughout the thallus.
There is no set mechanism regulating movement of
nuclei into reproductive structures.
Sexual Structures in
Watermolds
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The Question
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Watermolds are a large and diverse group of
ecologically, economically and biologically
important organisms, warranting scientific
attention.
By working to resolve issues with their
classification, we can reach a better
understanding of them and their importance.
Our Investigation
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Does the isolation procedure, which effects
genetic variability, also effect morphologic
variability?
7 propagules from one culture of a species of
Saprolegnia will be isolated.
100 replicates of several key morphologic
features will be examined.
Single Spore Isolation
Hyphal Tip Isolation
Expected Results and
Implications
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Expected results unknown, question has not
been addressed before
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Results could overturn decades old
methodologies and classifications, or affirm
methods currently in use