| Rhizopus | |
|---|---|
| Schematic diagram of Rhizopus spp. | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Division: | Zygomycota |
| Class: | Mucormycotina |
| Order: | Mucorales |
| Family: | Mucoraceae |
| Genus: | Rhizopus Ehrenb. (1820) |
| Type species | |
| Rhizopus nigricans Ehrenb. (1820) |
|
| 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] faeces, jellies, syrups, leather, bread, peanuts and tobacco. Some Rhizopus species are opportunistic agents of human zygomycosis (fungal infection) and can be fatal. Rhizopus infections are also an associated complication of diabetic ketoacidosis.[3] The widespread genus contains about nine species.[4]
Rhizopus reproduces by vegetative, asexual and sexual methods by spores. The asexual sporangiospores are produced inside a pinhead-like structure, the sporangium, and are genetically identical to their parent. In Rhizopus, the sporangia are supported by a large apophysate columella, and the sporangiophores arise among distinctive rhizoids. Dark zygospores are produced after two compatible mycelia fuse during sexual reproduction producing colonies that may be genetically different from their parents.
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