THE BIOLOGY OF MYCORRHIZA IN THE ERICACEAE: X. THE UTILIZATION OF PROTEINS AND THE PRODUCTION OF PROTEOLYTIC ENZYMES BY THE MYCORRHIZAL ENDOPHYTE AND BY MYCORRHIZAL PLANTS.

摘要: The ability of the ericoid mycorrhizal endophyte to utilize a range proteins as substrates for growth is assessed in liquid culture and association with host plants. Some aspects proteolytic enzyme production are also investigated. fungus readily utilizes soluble protein bovine serum albumin (BSA) sole nitrogen carbon source, produces lower yields on less plant animal proteins. Maximum all were obtained pH 3 5. Infection provides significant enhancement agar over this most Yields contents plants grown cellulose sheets BSA N source significantly higher than those uninfected controls, which unable use protein. Using chromogenic substrate it was shown that optimum activity comparable utilization pure association. Non-mycorrhizal produced negligible activity. significance these observations discussed relation nutrition both natural environment, broader ecological implications results assessed.