Zygomycota
Zygomycota (pronounced: zy-go-my-co-ta) is a phylum of the kingdom Fungi. The name "Zygomycota" comes from the Greek words "zygo," meaning "yoke," and "mykes," meaning "fungus." This refers to the yoke-like structure formed during the sexual reproduction process of these fungi.
Classification
Zygomycota is classified under the kingdom Fungi, which also includes other phyla such as Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Chytridiomycota. The phylum Zygomycota is further divided into two orders: Mucorales and Entomophthorales.
Characteristics
Members of Zygomycota are characterized by the formation of a unique type of spore called a zygospore. This is formed during sexual reproduction when two compatible hyphae meet and fuse together. The resulting structure, the zygospore, is thick-walled and highly resistant to environmental stresses.
Zygomycetes are also known for their coenocytic hyphae, which are hyphae that lack septa, or cross-walls. This allows for the free flow of cytoplasm, nuclei, and organelles throughout the hypha.
Habitat and Ecology
Zygomycetes are found in a variety of habitats, including soil, decaying plant and animal matter, and as symbionts in plants and animals. Some species are also important decomposers, playing a crucial role in nutrient cycling in ecosystems.
Medical Relevance
While most Zygomycetes are harmless, some species, particularly those in the order Mucorales, can cause infections in humans and other animals. These infections, known as zygomycosis, are often opportunistic, occurring primarily in individuals with weakened immune systems.
See Also
References
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Zygomycota
- Wikipedia's article - Zygomycota
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