Mucor
Mucor
Mucor (/mjuːkɔːr/) is a genus of fungi in the family Mucoraceae. It comprises several species, many of which are common in soil and decaying plant material. Some species are also pathogenic, causing a disease known as mucormycosis in humans and other animals.
Etymology
The term "Mucor" is derived from the Latin word for mould, reflecting the typical mould-like appearance of these fungi.
Description
Mucor species are typically fast-growing, producing colonies that are white to grey in colour. They are characterized by the presence of non-septate hyphae, and produce spores in a structure known as a sporangium.
Pathogenicity
Some species of Mucor, such as Mucor racemosus and Mucor indicus, are known to cause mucormycosis, a serious and often deadly fungal infection. This disease primarily affects individuals with compromised immune systems, and can involve various body parts including the sinuses, brain, lungs, and skin.
Related Terms
- Mucormycosis: A fungal infection caused by species of Mucor and other fungi in the order Mucorales.
- Hyphae: The filamentous structures that make up the body of a fungus.
- Sporangium: A structure in fungi and plants in which spores are produced and stored.
See Also
- Mycology: The study of fungi.
- Pathogenic fungi: Fungi that cause disease in humans or other organisms.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Mucor
- Wikipedia's article - Mucor
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