Cell Wall Structure of Pythium Debaryanum

The chemical composition of the fungal cell wall and particularly the occurrence of cellulose and chitin has been a matter of concern to mycologists for many years. However, relatively few genera have been carefully and completely investigated (Aronson, 1965). The Oomycetes in particular have not been extensively studied and conflicting results have been reported for some genera in this group. The cell walls of Pythium debaryanum Hesse were first investigated by Thomas (1942) who claimed to have demonstrated the presence of both cellulose and chitin, while Frey (1950) found only cellulose in his reinvestigation of this genus. We have attempted to reconcile these conflicting results and to determine the degree of complexity in the chemical composition of Pythium cell walls.