Alternative fruiting pathways in phycomyces.
Developmental distinctions between giant and dwarf fruiting bodies of Phycomyces blakesleeanus (Burgeff) were studied by means of size measurements and growth analyses. Histograms of fruiting body lengths showed a bimodal distribution, with peaks around 0.3 millimeter (dwarfs) and 30 millimeters (giants). Individual cultures contain both giants and dwarfs. Differences between giants and dwarfs appear in the first phase of development; the apex of the giant is tapered, whereas the dwarf apex is dome-shaped. Probable cytological distinctions at this stage are cited in discussion. The dwarfs terminate enlargement upon expansion of the sporangium, thus lacking the subsequent phase of rapid elongation (stage IV) that contributes 90% of the length in the case of giants. It was concluded that P. blakesleeanus maintains two developmental patterns for asexual fruiting, with dwarfs and giants differing radically in growth regulation.
THE TOPOGRAPHY OF TIP GROWTH IN A PLANT CELL
Tips of young Phycomyces sporangiophores were dusted with starch grains, and growth photographically recorded. Rates of longitudinal displacement from the cell tip of individual markers were determined, also corresponding rates of change of cell diameter. From these the magnitude and spatial distribution of "relative elemental growth rates" along both longitudinal and circumferential axes of the cell were obtained. Growth rates in these two directions are functions of distance from the cell apex, and have different spatial distributions. In particular, rates of growth in cell circumference are complexly patterned. Relative elemental growth rates in length and in girth are approximately equal and maximal at the cell's apex, with a value of 2.4 mm. mm.–1 hr.–1. The characteristic shape of the tip is maintained constant in the face of its changing substance and position. This shape reflects a steady state of the cell's constituent growth patterns. At every point the growing membrane simultaneously expands in the two dimensions of its surface. The degree of polarization or directional preference of growth is measured by the ratio of longitudinal to circumferential relative elemental growth rate at any point. The ratio is not constant, but changes with position along the tip. This fact does not support the idea that membrane growth is based upon a quantal "growth event." Possible causal factors in oriented membrane growth are discussed.
Energy skin effect of propellant particles in Electrothermal-Chemical Launcher
A numerical model of the radiation has been employed by a Monte Carlo method and statistical physics to simulate the process of a capillary plasma source for Electrothermal-Chemical (ETC) Launcher. The effect on propellants with different physical parameters is discussed. The plasma-propellant interaction is also discussed when combined with a thermal model. Results show that radiant energy only causes a small field around the plasma injector in the propellant bed. The responses of energy flux and propellant particles on radiation are both in the order of picosecond. The strong instantaneous radiation is responsible for the transmission of energy to the propellant particles leading to ignition. Compared with conventional ignition, the energy absorbed by propellant particles is used to increase quickly the temperature in the surface layer of propellant particles. This energy skin effect in the propellant particle surface appears to be the main cause of plasma ignition.