Presence of DNA sequence homologous to RAS gene in the aquatic fungus Achlya ambisexualis: possible role in sporangiogenesis

The water mold Achlya ambisexualis reproduces asexually by the formation of zoospores produced in sporangia. The differentiation of vegetative hyphae to sporangia involves a series of morphologic and biochemical changes. Thus far, very little is known about the regulation of sporogenesis in this organism. Using DNA-DNA and DNA-RNA hybridizations, the authors investigated the presence of DNA sequences homologous to the yeast RAS gene in A. ambisexualis .