Some organisms involve flagella in adhesion, and other flagellated cells do not. These investigations use light, fluorescence and electron microscopy. Systematic analysis of microscopic and developmental characters includes phenetic and cladistic techniques. A second area of research focuses on the ecological roles of a group of under-recognized flagellated fungi, the Chytridiomycetes. Students in my laboratory are exploring associations of Chytridiomycetes with other organisms to determine what factors influence species diversity and distribution.
Emphasis is placed on developing techniques which adequately reveal organisms present.
Publications Powell, Martha J. and Will H. Blackwell. Searching for homologous ultrastructural characters in zoosporic fungi. Powell, Martha J. 1994. Production and modifications of extracellular structures during development of Chytridiomycetes. Powell, Martha J. 1993.