Rhizopus

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", 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. thumbnail|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, spores 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. Rhizopus oligosporus is used to make tempeh, a fermented food derived from soybeans. Rhizopus oryzae is used in the production of alcoholic beverages in parts of Asia and Africa. Rhizopus stolonifer (black bread mold) causes fruit rot on strawberry, tomato, and Sweet potato and is used in commercial production of fumaric acid and cortisone.