Microbotryomycetes

Microbotryomycetes is a class of fungi within the phylum Basidiomycota. This class is characterized by its unique life cycle, which includes a yeast phase and a sexual phase. The yeast phase is typically associated with the host organism, while the sexual phase occurs outside the host.

Taxonomy

The class Microbotryomycetes was first described by Robert Bauer, Dominik Begerow, Josef Poelt, Meike Piepenbring, and Franz Oberwinkler in 2001. It includes the orders Microbotryales, Sporidiobolales, and Leucosporidiales.

Characteristics

Microbotryomycetes are typically parasitic fungi, infecting a wide range of host organisms. They are known for their unique life cycle, which includes a yeast phase and a sexual phase. The yeast phase is typically associated with the host organism, while the sexual phase occurs outside the host.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Microbotryomycetes is unique among fungi. It begins with the yeast phase, where the fungus lives inside the host organism. This phase is characterized by rapid growth and reproduction. The fungus then enters the sexual phase, where it produces spores that are released into the environment. These spores can infect new hosts, continuing the life cycle.

Ecology

Microbotryomycetes are found in a wide range of environments, from soil to plant surfaces to animal hosts. They are particularly common in temperate regions, but can also be found in tropical and arctic environments.

Medical Relevance

Some species of Microbotryomycetes are known to cause diseases in humans and other animals. For example, the species Rhodotorula mucilaginosa is a common cause of fungal infections in immunocompromised individuals.

See Also

• Basidiomycota
• Fungal infection
• Parasitic fungi