False-colour scanning electron micrograph of yeast cells of the fungus Candida albicans. Here, this spore stage is showing the beginning of the infectious 'mycelial' form (centre). Tubular fil- aments (hyphae) develop from the spores; these hyphae branch and spread into a network (mycelium) which then produces more spores. Candida albicans causes the infection known as candidiasis which affects the moist mucous membranes of the body, such as skin folds, mouth, respiratory tract and vagina. Oral and vaginal conditions are known as thrush. The infection may also appear in persons receiving prolonged broad-spectrum antibiotics. Magnification: x2400 at 35mm size.