A germ tube is an outgrowth produced by spores of spore-releasing fungi during germination.
The germ tube differentiates, grows, and develops by mitosis to create somatic hyphae.[1]
A germ tube test is a diagnostic test in which a sample of fungal spores are suspended in animal serum and examined by microscopy for the detection of any germ tubes.[2] It is particularly indicated for colonies of white or cream color on fungal culture, where a positive germ tube test is strongly indicative of Candida albicans.[2]
- ^ C.J. Alexopolous, Charles W. Mims, M. Blackwell, Introductory Mycology, 4th ed. (John Wiley and Sons, Hoboken NJ, 2004) ISBN 0-471-52229-5
- ^ a b Chapter IV. Germ Tube Test in YEAST IDENTIFICATION Archived 2011-09-27 at the Wayback Machine document at doctorfungus.org. Retrieved July 2011