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In this article we will discuss about the cell structure of penicillium. This will also help you to draw the diagram of cell structure of penicillium.
The thin hyphal or cell wall is microfibrillar in structure with the microfibrils running parallel to the surface. In P. notatum it is reported to consist of 3 or 4 layers. The outermost layer (W1) is made up of glucans. It is irregular and electrondense.
The second electron layer (W2) is composed of proteins and has a regular contour. The third layer (W3) is electron -transparent and formed of fibril material arranged parallel to the plasma membrane.
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The fibrils consist of chitin and are embedded in a granular matrix. The fourth layer (W4) is probably composed of pectic or hemicellulose material. When present it directly abuts on the plasma membrane which closely invests the granular cytoplasm.
Embedded in the cytoplasm are the living inclusions namely mitochondria, ribosomes and endoplasmic reticulum.
The cells in P. vermiculatum are uninucleate but in some other species they are bi- to trinucleate. The nuclear membrane has pores. Oil globules may also be present as reserve food. During the vegetative phase, the mycelium is hyaline or pale. The colour appears when the fungus enters the reproductive phase.
