Effect of Light on Growth and Metabolite Synthesis in Candida albicans

Abstract
The responses of 4 strains of C. albicans to light radiation were studied. Various wavelengths of light influenced germ-tube formation, chlamydospore production, proteolytic activity, cell growth, and protein and carbohydrate synthesis. Changes in these characteristics were dependent upon the particular light and the strain of organism used. Light induced changes in morphology in all strains, however, viability was not affected. Black UV inhibited cell growth in all strains. Generally, carbohydrate synthesis was stimulated by light and protein synthesis was inhibited with blue being the effective spectral region.