Changes of Exponential Growth Rates in Relation to Differentiation of Geotrichum candidum in Submerged Culture

Growth and differentiation of the imperfect fungus Geotrichum candidum were followed in submerged cultures containing a simple synthetic glucose salt medium. Uptake of glucose, ammonium and oxygen from the medium were measured during the entire growth perod. In 0.1% glucose the fungus grows with one exponential growth phase until all the glucose has been consumed. The arthrospores are formed in the stationary phase. In 0.5% glucose the growth curve has two exponential growth phases, one with a doubling time of 1.8 h and a second one with a doubling time of 4.9 h. The second exponential growth phase, which starts when less than 15% of the glucose and less than 30% of the ammonium have been consumed, is shown to be the sporulation phase. During this growth phase the oxygen saturation in the culture remained constant at about 50%.