Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
pseudohyphal
Adjective
/ˌsuːdəˈhaɪfəl/
Definition
Pseudohyphal refers to a form of growth typically seen in certain fungi, where the cells are elongated and form a structure resembling hyphae but are actually not true hyphae due to incomplete septa (cross-walls).
Examples
- The yeast Candida albicans exhibits pseudohyphal forms when grown in nutrient-rich conditions.
- Pseudohyphal growth can be distinguished from true hyphal growth under a microscope as it has irregular septation.
- Researchers study pseudohyphal transitions to understand fungal pathogenicity.
Meaning
In contexts such as microbiology and mycology, pseudohyphal growth is indicative of a specific adaptive response of fungi, particularly in environments where they need to grow in a more filamentous manner to access nutrients.
Synonyms
- Filamentous
- Mycelial (in a broad sense, although it is not strictly synonymous)
- Branching
