Objective: This analysis investigates washed A. niger spore germination dynamics that were pre-treated with proline across various durations (2h–12h) + cysteine or its analogue, like N-acetyl cysteine or S-methyl cysteine.

📥 Load and Filter Data

🔬 Germination State Classification

📊 Summarize Germination & Swelling

📈 Swelling % Over Time

Washed A. niger spores do not germinate in the presence of cysteine and its analogs, but it is unclear whether these compounds do not act as triggers for germination activation or if they have an inhibitory effect on spore growth. In this experiment, A. niger spores were pre-treated with proline for varying durations ranging from 2 to 12 hours. Subsequently, cysteine, N-acetyl cysteine, or S-methyl cysteine were added to these pre-treated spores. Note that proline is a strong inducer of A. niger germination.

The plots below indicate that in the presence of N-acetyl cysteine and S-methyl cysteine, the pre-treated spores continue to germinate, suggesting that these analogs do not have an antifungal effect on A. niger spores. Conversely, in the presence of cysteine, especially after 8 hours of pre-treatment with proline, the spores do not continue to grow. It is also noteworthy that the maximum swelling time for A. niger spores occurs after approximately 8 hours of incubation.

📈 Germination % Over Time