The Invisible ABCs

Exploring the World of Microbes...

Letter Q

Rhizopus stolonifer

Habitat:

 

Rhizopus is a microscopic fungus called a mold.  It is found worldwide and is commonly found in soil, compost, and other decaying plant matter.

 

Importance:

 

Rhizopus, like all fungi, breaks down dead material and returns the nutrients to the soil so that other organisms can use them to grow.

Rhizopus is also a pathogenic fungus that infects many fruits and vegetables, causing soft rot. 

 

Classification:

 

Rhizopus belongs to a group of microscopic fungi called molds.  Molds consist of a chain of cells linked together into a thread-like structure called a hypha.  A cluster of spores forms at the top of some hyphae.