Blastocladiomycota

Blastocladiomycota is a phylum of fungi that includes water molds and other aquatic fungi. This group of fungi is known for its unique life cycle, which includes both asexual and sexual reproduction stages.

Taxonomy

The phylum Blastocladiomycota was first described by Robert W. Lichtwardt in 1986. It is divided into two orders: Blastocladiales and Catenariales. The order Blastocladiales includes the well-known genus Blastocladiella, while the order Catenariales includes the genus Catenaria.

Characteristics

Blastocladiomycota are characterized by their unique life cycle, which includes both asexual and sexual reproduction stages. The asexual stage involves the production of zoospores, which are motile spores that can swim through water. The sexual stage involves the fusion of two different types of gametes, resulting in the formation of a zygote.

Habitat and Distribution

Blastocladiomycota are primarily aquatic fungi, found in both freshwater and marine environments. They are also found in soil and on decaying plant material. They have a worldwide distribution, but are most commonly found in temperate and tropical regions.

Role in Ecosystem

Blastocladiomycota play a crucial role in the decomposition of organic matter in aquatic ecosystems. They are also important in nutrient cycling, as they help to break down complex organic compounds into simpler forms that can be used by other organisms.

Human Impact

Some species of Blastocladiomycota are known to cause diseases in amphibians, such as the deadly chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. This fungus has been linked to massive declines in amphibian populations worldwide.

File:Blastocladiomycota.jpg

A microscopic view of Blastocladiomycota

See Also

• Chytridiomycota
• Zygomycota
• Glomeromycota
• Ascomycota
• Basidiomycota