Effect of Electrolytes on Differentiation in Achlya sp.

Some factors controlling the differentiation of sporangia and gemmae in an isolate of Achlya sp. were investigated by replacement culture technique. Factors in the replacement medium which affect differentiation were as follows: A) Calcium is required for the differentiation of both sporangia and gemmae. B) Calcium cannot be replaced by magnesium, potassium or sodium. C) Gemmae are induced when the replacement medium contains salt at 40 to 80 mm. D) The salt induction of gemmae is nonspecific, sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium chlorides are equally effective.