SELENITE METABOLISM IN THE MYCELIUM OF THE FUNGUS PHYCOMYCES BLAKESLEEANUS

Abstract

In this study, mycelium of fungus Phycomyces blakesleeanus was exposed to soluble toxic form of selenium, selenite (Se+4), with the aim of determining the flow and products of its biotransformation. Selenite is reduced to Se0 in the form selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) and Se-2 in the form of methylated volatile selenides. Low concentrations of Se+4 in the mycelium form RSSeSR type compounds, which could be a step in the process of SeNPs formation, or incorporation of Se into metabolites such as Se-amino acids.