Biomechanics of Hyphal Growth

Fungi invade new territory by tubular extensions (hyphae) that ramify through the substrate to form a mycelial network. The growth of the hyphae has physical components: The biomechanical nature of the fungal wall protects the cytoplasm from the external environment. The internal hydrostatic pressure (turgor) provides the driving force for physical expansion of the wall at the hyphal tip during growth. The biomechanics that govern hyphal growth are explored.