Zygomycota

Zygomycota is a phylum of fungi. The name is derived from the Greek words ζυγον (zygon, "yoke") and μύκης (mykes, "fungus") and refers to the sexual reproduction method of this phylum, which is characterized by the formation of a zygospore, a thick-walled spore formed by the union of two similar gametes.

Classification

Zygomycota was historically a definite phylum within the kingdom Fungi. The phylum Zygomycota is now recognized as polyphyletic and is not included in the current taxonomic schemes. It contains two subphyla, Mucoromycotina and Kickxellomycotina, and two classes, Zygomycetes and Trichomycetes.

Characteristics

Zygomycota are characterized by the formation of a zygospore during the sexual phase. The hyphae are coenocytic, lacking cross walls. They are mostly terrestrial in habitat, living in soil or on decaying plant or animal material. Some are parasites of plants, insects, and small animals, while others form symbiotic relationships with plants.

Reproduction

Zygomycota reproduce sexually by forming a zygospore. The process involves the fusion of two hyphae from different strains to form a zygosporangium. The zygosporangium becomes a zygospore, a thick-walled spore that can withstand adverse conditions. The zygospore remains dormant until conditions improve, at which point it germinates to produce a new generation of hyphae.

Ecology

Zygomycota play a significant role in the decomposition of organic matter and the recycling of nutrients in the ecosystem. Some species are used in the production of fermented foods. Others are important plant pathogens, causing diseases such as root rot.

See also

• Mucoromycotina
• Kickxellomycotina
• Zygomycetes
• Trichomycetes

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