Skip to main content
ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #124986
Title: GLOMALIN PRODUCTION BY ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI

Author
item Wright, Sara
item Nichols, Kristine
item Jawson, Linda

Submitted to: American Society of Agronomy Meetings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/21/2001
Publication Date: 10/21/2001
Citation: WRIGHT, S.E., NICHOLS, K.A., JAWSON, L. GLOMALIN PRODUCTION BY ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI. AMERICAN SOCIETY OF AGRONOMY MEETINGS. 2001. S03-WRIGHT092106-0.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Glomalin is a glycoprotein produced by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). A monoclonal antibody generated against an unknown epitope present on all AMF tested led to the discovery of glomalin. Copious production and characteristics indicating the molecule's stability led to exploration of the relationship between glomalin and soil stability. Several studies have shown that glomalin, aggregate stability and soil management are linked. Studies on glomalin in soil show that it is present in large amounts and is a distinct component of soil organic matter. Axenic cultures show that glomalin is present on hyphae and is sloughed off of hyphae into the growth substrate. Released glomalin accumulates at air-water interfaces as a dense scum. Studies on the characterization of the molecule have been difficult because of the stability of the compound, but are beginning to yield information. We propose that glomalin is composed of aggregates of small glycosylated protein units with iron as a structural component, and that iron and other ions are adsorbed on the surface of the molecule.