Rhizopus

Rhizopus
Schematic diagram of Rhizopus spp.
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Fungi
Division: Mucoromycota
Class: Mucoromycetes
Order: Mucorales
Family: Mucoraceae
Genus: Rhizopus
Ehrenb. (1820)
Type species
Rhizopus nigricans
Ehrenb. (1820)
Synonyms[1]

Rhizopus is a genus of common saprophytic fungi on plants and specialized parasites on animals. They are found in a wide variety of organic substances, including "mature fruits and vegetables",[2] jellies, syrups, leather, bread, peanuts, and tobacco. They are multicellular. Some Rhizopus species are opportunistic human pathogens that often cause fatal disease called mucormycosis. This widespread genus includes at least eight species.[3][4]

Rhizopus 400x magnification

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.

Various species, including R. stolonifer, may cause soft rot in sweet potatoes and Narcissus.

Rhizopus helps in nutrient development since this species is grown in soil it ferments the fruits and vegetable in the soil inhibiting the growth and develops certain pathogens that inhibits the growth of toxigenic fungus.[5] In addition to that, there is even a type of Rhizopus (Rhizopus microsporus-fermented soybean tempe) that has proven to reduce colon carcinogenesis in rats by elevating factors of mucins, immunoglobulin A, and organic acids and give protection to piglets from Escherichia coli-infection by inhibiting adhesion to the intestinal membranes. [6]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference urlMycoBank: Rhiz opus was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference Kirk2008 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference Zheng2007 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference Sone2010 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Dwi Endrawati, Dwi Endrawati. "Several Functions of Rhizopus sp on Increasing Nutritional Value of Feed Ingredient". June 2017.
  6. ^ Yang, Yongshou (2018). "The effects of tempe fermented with Rhizopus microsporus, Rhizopus oryzae, or Rhizopus stolonifer on the colonic luminal environment in rats". Journal of Functional Foods. 49: 162–167. doi:10.1016/j.jff.2018.08.017. S2CID 91791814.