Fungal cell structure and organization

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Abstract
Human pathogenic fungi produce three basic ‘cell’ types: hyphae, yeast cells, and spores. The organization and subcellular structure of these different cell types and their modes of growth and formation are reviewed. Growth and form is the consequence of how new cell surface is formed. This is generated by the delivery of vesicles to the surface which provides new membrane and the enzymes for cell wall synthesis. To generate these various cell types, the pathway of vesicle secretion to the surface has to be carefully regulated. These vesicles have to be transported through the cell by the cytoskeleton, and in filamentous cells these vesicles accumulate at a supply centre called the Spitzenkörper before docking and fusion with the hyphal apex. Ultimately, membrane is also endocytosed and recycled behind actively expanding regions of the fungal surface. These various processes are described and particular emphasis is given to the structural and organizational features of fungal cells that play roles in their pathogenesis and virulence.