The Spitzenkorper: a molecular perspective

The Spitzenkorper is a dynamic structure present at the tips of hyphal cells with a single highly polarized growth site. It is closely connected with cell morphogenesis and polar growth, and is only present at actively growing sites. Morphogenesis of such highly polarized cells is complex, and requires the coordinated action of multiple protein complexes. We discuss the relevance of these complexes for the structure and function of the Spitzenkorper. (c) 2005 The British Mycological Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.