Rhizopus
| Rhizopus | |
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| Schematic diagram of Rhizopus spp. | |
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| Genus: | Rhizopus Ehrenb. (1820)
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| Type species | |
| Rhizopus nigricans Ehrenb. (1820)
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| Synonyms[1] | |
Rhizopus is a genus of common saprobic fungi on plants and specialized parasites on animals. They are found on a wide variety of organic substrates, including "mature fruits and vegetables",[2] jellies, syrups, leather, bread, peanuts and tobacco. Some Rhizopus species are opportunistic agents of human zygomycosis (fungal infection) and can be fatal. Rhizopus infections may also be a complication of diabetic ketoacidosis.[3] This widespread genus includes ten species.[4]
Rhizopus species grow as filamentous, branching hyphae that generally lack cross-walls (i.e., they are coenocytic). They reproduce by forming asexual and sexual spores. In asexual reproduction, sporangiospores are produced inside a spherical structure, the sporangium. Sporangia are supported by a large apophysate columella atop a long stalk, the sporangiophore. Sporangiophores arise among distinctive, root-like rhizoids. In sexual reproduction, a dark zygospore is produced at the point where two compatible mycelia fuse. Upon germination, a zygospore produces colonies that are genetically different from either parent.
- R. arrhizus causes fruit rot on apples.
- R. artocarpi causes fruit drop of jack fruit.
- R. nigricans (bread mold) grows on spoiled food.
- R. oligosporus is used to make tempeh, a fermented food derived from soybeans.
- R. oryzae is used in the production of alcoholic beverages in parts of Asia and Africa.
- R. stolonifer (black bread mold) causes fruit rot on strawberry, tomato, and sweet potato and used in commercial production of fumaric acid and cortisone.
Species
See also
References
- ^ "Rhizopus Ehrenb. 1820". MycoBank. International Mycological Association. Retrieved 2011-02-05.
- ^ Kirk PM, Cannon PF, Minter DW, Stalpers JA. (2008). Dictionary of the Fungi (10th ed.). Wallingford, UK: CABI. p. 599. ISBN 978-0-85199-826-8.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Chinn RY, Diamond RD. (1982). "Generation of chemotactic factors by Rhizopus oryzae in the presence and absence of serum: relationship to hyphal damage mediated by human neutrophils and effects of hyperglycemia and ketoacidosis". Infection and Immunity. 38 (3): 1123–29.
- ^ Zheng RY, Chen GQ, Huang H, Liu XY. (2007). "A monograph of Rhizopus". Sydowia. 59 (2): 273–372.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
External links
- Rhizopus at Zygomycetes.org
- Photos of Rhizopus spp. used for tempeh-making at www.tempeh.idv.tw
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