Conidial anastomosis tubes

Conidial anastomosis tubes (CATs) are cells formed from the conidia (a type of fungal asexual spores) of many filamentous fungi. These cells have a tubular shape and form an anastomosis (bridge) that allows fusion between conidia. Conidial anastomosis tubes (CATs) are cells formed from the conidia (a type of fungal asexual spores) of many filamentous fungi. These cells have a tubular shape and form an anastomosis (bridge) that allows fusion between conidia. CATs and germ tubes (germination tubes) are some of the specialized hyphae (long cells formed by filamentous fungal species) that are formed by fungal conidia. CATs are morphologically and physiologically distinct from germ tubes and are under separate genetic control.