Effect of some Physical factors on growth of five

Fungal species
Department of Bioscience & Biotechnology, Banasthali Vidyapith

Abstract Objectives Results

This study investigates the effects of
•To classify fungi based on their optimal temperature
ranges (psychrophiles, mesophiles, and thermophiles). Fungi require different conditions for optimal growth, fungi
Conclusions
•To examine the effect of temperature on fungal growth and derive all of their energy and growth materials from their
temperature, pH, and incubation period on physiology, including enzymatic activity and membrane
the in vitro growth of five fungal species. function.
growth medium, through biochemical decomposition processes.
However, all the materials for growth must already be Temperature, pH, and cultural
•To assess the influence of pH on fungal growth,
Fungal isolates were cultured on particularly within the common pH tolerance range of 3.0 to
present in the growth medium. Specific time spans
required during 3-7 days vary respective to species and variety period significantly affect
Sabouraud Dextrose Agar under varying 8.0.
fungal growth. Extreme
•To determine the conditions that support optimal fungal
temperatures (20–40°C), pH levels (3–11),
and incubation periods (2–10 days).
biomass production and evaluate whether these conditions
align with minimal physiological stress.
temperatures and pH levels
Optimal growth was observed at 25–30°C, •To understand how abiotic factors such as temperature
and pH shape fungal ecological roles, especially in
(acidic or alkaline) reduce the
pH 5–6, and incubation periods of 6–8 mycotoxigenic and industrially important species. number of culturable fungi,
days. All isolates grew at 20, 25, and 30°C,
while none grew at 40°C. Growth was best while optimal growth occurs at
moderate temperatures and
at pH 5–7; only Mucor spp. showed
minimal growth at pH 3, and no growth Methodology near-neutral pH (5–6).
occurred at pH 9–11. Initial growth began
after 2–4 days, with full development by Preparation of Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA): Selecting the appropriate
Seven different pH levels of Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA)
days 6–10. These findings offer insights were prepared by dissolving 65 g of SDA powder in 1 liter of cultivation period is crucial for
into environmental factors affecting fungal distilled water. The pH of each medium was adjusted using
either 0.1 M hydrochloric acid (HCl) or 0.1 M sodium
maximizing fungal growth.
growth. hydroxide (NaOH) to achieve the desired pH values, as
described. The pH was measured using a digital pH meter
prior to sterilization. All media were sterilized in an autoclave
at 121°C for 15 minutes.
Acknowledgements
Introduction Inoculation of Fungal Cultures:
After sterilization and solidification, SDA plates of each pH
level were inoculated with fungi. Two-millimetre diameter agar
I am deeply grateful to Hon’ble Dr. Rashmi Tripathi for
giving the research amenities and faculty of Bioscience
Fungi are a diverse group of organisms whose growth and plugs were aseptically obtained from the actively growing
physiological functions are highly influenced by environmental and Biotechnology, Banasthali Vidyapith, for their
edges of pre-cultured fungal colonies using a sterile cork
factors, particularly temperature. Based on their optimal support. I want to pay my regards to the original authors
borer. Each plug was transferred to the center of a fresh SDA
temperature ranges for growth, fungi are broadly classified into
plate (one plug per plate). SADIQ R. M. ALI , AHMED J. FRADI and ALAA M. AL-
psychrophiles, mesophiles, and thermophiles. These AARAJI for their findings that made me more aware
. classifications reflect the temperature-dependent nature of Incubation Conditions: and enthusiast about this thesis.
enzymatic activity and membrane function, which are crucial for
cellular metabolism and structural integrity. Most fungi are Plates were incubated under two sets of test conditions:
mesophilic, exhibiting optimal growth between 15°C and 30°C,
although thermophilic species such as Chaetomium thermophilum Temperature Test: Plates were incubated at different
and Penicillium dupontii can grow at temperatures exceeding temperature levels (approximately 29 ± 2°C and other set
45°C, while some psychrophilic fungi are restricted to growth
below 20°C.
points as specified) to assess the effect of temperature on
fungal growth. References
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