Rhizopus stolonifer
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| Black bread mold | |
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| Species: | R. Nigricans
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| Binomial name | |
| Rhizopus Nigricans | |
Overview
Rhizopus Nigricans (black bread mold) is an example of a conjugating mold. It produces three types of hyphae:
- Stolon hyphae spread over the surface of bread as the mycelium grows,
- Rhizoid hyphae penetrate the bread to digest it and to anchor the mycelium, and
- Sporangiophores are upright hyphae that form a sporangium at their tips.
It is harmful, sometimes fatal, to animals and humans and is reported to be allergenic.[citation needed]
Reproduction
Asexual mitospores (spores formed by mitosis) within the sporangia are released when mature. Germination of these spores forms the haploid hyphae of a new mycelium.
Asexual reproduction by weners occurs continuously. Sexual reproduction occurs only when opposite mating types (designated + and -) come in contact. Then special cells become gametes that fuse forming a zygote. The zygote develops a resistant cell wall, forming a zygospore, the characteristic that gives its name to this group of fungi. Subsequently, the zygospore germinates and forms a sporangiophore whose sporangium produces both + and - haploid spores.
Growing Conditions
Rhizopus stolonifer needs a dark, warm, moist place to grow.
References
http://www.dehs.umn.edu/iaq/fungus/glossary.html
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