Germ tube

A germ tube is an outgrowth produced by spores of spore-releasing fungi during germination.

The germ tube differentiates, grows, and develops by mitosis to create somatic hyphae.

[1] A germ tube test is a diagnostic test in which a sample of fungal spores are suspended in animal serum and examined by microscopy for the detection of any germ tubes.

[2] It is particularly indicated for colonies of white or cream color on fungal culture, where a positive germ tube test is strongly indicative of Candida albicans.

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