Zygomycota - Revision history

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2023-05-10T18:10:13Z

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← Older revision		Revision as of 14:10, 10 May 2023
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	== Impact on Other Organisms ==		== Impact on Other Organisms ==
	[[File:Bread Mold.jpg\|thumb\|An illustration of a bread mold and its associated sporangiophores. (Picture obtained from Imagination Station)]]		[[File:Bread Mold.jpg\|thumb\|An illustration of a bread mold and its associated sporangiophores. (Picture obtained from Imagination Station)]]
	This Phylum is mostly terrestrial but does have aquatic members, and many parasitic members; [[Insects]] in particular can be ravaged by Zygomycetes, but many larger [[animals]] (including humans) can become infected by them, along with smaller [[mesofauna]], for example [[Nematodes]]. Some plants and fungi are also susceptible to infection by parasitic Zygomycetes. [1] However, some [[invertebrates]] have Zygomycetes in their digestive tracts, indicating that some members are mutualistic. Zygomycetes are also frequently neutral decomposers. For humans, arguably the main concern that Zygomycetes pose is their ability to [[soil]] foods. This is not necessarily a bad thing, though, as many foods have been created in which molds play a major role. On the other hand, some species can cause (potentially life-threatening) disease. Those most at risk for this are those with poor immune systems and broken skin. [6] Generally, disease transmission is through the development of spores inside the host, which can range from minor infection (esecially in larger animals) to completely infesting the host and draining it of nutrients, leaving it to die and the Zygomycetes to prepare for further reproduction. However, due to the large range of species (due to Zygomycota being a major Phylum of fungi), the role of Zygomycetes in an ecosystem can vary drastically.		This Phylum is mostly terrestrial but does have aquatic members, and many parasitic members; [[Insects]] in particular can be ravaged by Zygomycetes, but many larger [[animals]] (including humans) can become infected by them, along with smaller [[mesofauna]], for example [[Nematodes]]. Some plants and fungi are also susceptible to infection by parasitic Zygomycetes. [1] However, some [[invertebrates]] have Zygomycetes in their digestive tracts, indicating that some members are mutualistic. Zygomycetes are also frequently neutral [[decomposers]]. For humans, arguably the main concern that Zygomycetes pose is their ability to [[soil]] foods. This is not necessarily a bad thing, though, as many foods have been created in which molds play a major role. On the other hand, some species can cause (potentially life-threatening) disease. Those most at risk for this are those with poor immune systems and broken skin. [6] Generally, disease transmission is through the development of spores inside the host, which can range from minor infection (esecially in larger animals) to completely infesting the host and draining it of nutrients, leaving it to die and the Zygomycetes to prepare for further reproduction. However, due to the large range of species (due to Zygomycota being a major Phylum of fungi), the role of Zygomycetes in an ecosystem can vary drastically.

	== References ==		== References ==

Njhenshu: The LinkTitles extension automatically added links to existing pages (https://github.com/bovender/LinkTitles).

2022-05-06T18:04:55Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:04, 6 May 2022
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	== Impact on Other Organisms ==		== Impact on Other Organisms ==
	[[File:Bread Mold.jpg\|thumb\|An illustration of a bread mold and its associated sporangiophores. (Picture obtained from Imagination Station)]]		[[File:Bread Mold.jpg\|thumb\|An illustration of a bread mold and its associated sporangiophores. (Picture obtained from Imagination Station)]]
	This Phylum is mostly terrestrial but does have aquatic members, and many parasitic members; [[Insects]] in particular can be ravaged by Zygomycetes, but many larger [[animals]] (including humans) can become infected by them, along with smaller mesofauna, for example [[Nematodes]]. Some plants and fungi are also susceptible to infection by parasitic Zygomycetes. [1] However, some invertebrates have Zygomycetes in their digestive tracts, indicating that some members are mutualistic. Zygomycetes are also frequently neutral decomposers. For humans, arguably the main concern that Zygomycetes pose is their ability to [[soil]] foods. This is not necessarily a bad thing, though, as many foods have been created in which molds play a major role. On the other hand, some species can cause (potentially life-threatening) disease. Those most at risk for this are those with poor immune systems and broken skin. [6] Generally, disease transmission is through the development of spores inside the host, which can range from minor infection (esecially in larger animals) to completely infesting the host and draining it of nutrients, leaving it to die and the Zygomycetes to prepare for further reproduction. However, due to the large range of species (due to Zygomycota being a major Phylum of fungi), the role of Zygomycetes in an ecosystem can vary drastically.		This Phylum is mostly terrestrial but does have aquatic members, and many parasitic members; [[Insects]] in particular can be ravaged by Zygomycetes, but many larger [[animals]] (including humans) can become infected by them, along with smaller [[mesofauna]], for example [[Nematodes]]. Some plants and fungi are also susceptible to infection by parasitic Zygomycetes. [1] However, some [[invertebrates]] have Zygomycetes in their digestive tracts, indicating that some members are mutualistic. Zygomycetes are also frequently neutral decomposers. For humans, arguably the main concern that Zygomycetes pose is their ability to [[soil]] foods. This is not necessarily a bad thing, though, as many foods have been created in which molds play a major role. On the other hand, some species can cause (potentially life-threatening) disease. Those most at risk for this are those with poor immune systems and broken skin. [6] Generally, disease transmission is through the development of spores inside the host, which can range from minor infection (esecially in larger animals) to completely infesting the host and draining it of nutrients, leaving it to die and the Zygomycetes to prepare for further reproduction. However, due to the large range of species (due to Zygomycota being a major Phylum of fungi), the role of Zygomycetes in an ecosystem can vary drastically.

	== References ==		== References ==

Rtcunnin at 02:08, 30 March 2022

2022-03-30T02:08:13Z

Njhenshu: The LinkTitles extension automatically added links to existing pages (https://github.com/bovender/LinkTitles).

2021-04-29T17:06:02Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:06, 29 April 2021
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	== Impact on Other Organisms ==		== Impact on Other Organisms ==
	[[File:Bread Mold.jpg\|thumb\|An illustration of a mold (almost certainly a Zygomycete) on bread. (Picture obtained from Imagination Station)]]		[[File:Bread Mold.jpg\|thumb\|An illustration of a mold (almost certainly a Zygomycete) on bread. (Picture obtained from Imagination Station)]]
	This Phylum is mostly terrestrial but does have aquatic members, and it includes many parasitic members; [[Insects]] in particular can be ravaged by Zygomycetes, but many larger animals (including humans) can become diseased by them, as well as smaller mesofauna, such as [[Nematodes]]. Some plants and fungi are also susceptible to infection by parasitic Zygomycetes. [1] However, some invertebrates have Zygomycetes in their digestive tracts, indicating that some members are mutualistic. Zygomycetes are also frequently neutral decomposers. For humans, arguably the main concern that Zygomycetes pose are their presence on spoiling foods. This is not necessarily a bad thing, though, as many foods have been creating in which molds play a major role in creating it. On the other hand, some species can cause (potentially life-threatening) disease. Those most at risk for this are those with poor immune systems and broken skin. [6] Generally, disease transmission is through the development of spores inside the host, which can range from minor infection (esecially in larger animals) to completely infesting the host and draining it of nutrients, leaving it to die and the Zygomycetes to prepare for further reproduction. However, due to the large range of species (due to Zygomycota being a major Phylum of fungi), the role of Zygomycetes in an ecosystem can vary drastically.		This Phylum is mostly terrestrial but does have aquatic members, and it includes many parasitic members; [[Insects]] in particular can be ravaged by Zygomycetes, but many larger [[animals]] (including humans) can become diseased by them, as well as smaller mesofauna, such as [[Nematodes]]. Some plants and fungi are also susceptible to infection by parasitic Zygomycetes. [1] However, some invertebrates have Zygomycetes in their digestive tracts, indicating that some members are mutualistic. Zygomycetes are also frequently neutral decomposers. For humans, arguably the main concern that Zygomycetes pose are their presence on spoiling foods. This is not necessarily a bad thing, though, as many foods have been creating in which molds play a major role in creating it. On the other hand, some species can cause (potentially life-threatening) disease. Those most at risk for this are those with poor immune systems and broken skin. [6] Generally, disease transmission is through the development of spores inside the host, which can range from minor infection (esecially in larger animals) to completely infesting the host and draining it of nutrients, leaving it to die and the Zygomycetes to prepare for further reproduction. However, due to the large range of species (due to Zygomycota being a major Phylum of fungi), the role of Zygomycetes in an ecosystem can vary drastically.

	== References ==		== References ==

Jasonkac: /* Zygospores and Sexual Reproduction */

2018-05-09T04:54:52Z

Zygospores and Sexual Reproduction

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:54, 9 May 2018
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	=== Zygospores and Sexual Reproduction ===		=== Zygospores and Sexual Reproduction ===
	Sexual reproduction in Zygomycota is similar to the conjugation process that a microscopic organism such as a protozoan might use. To initiate this form of reproduction, certain hyphae called gametangia form a connection and exchange genetic material in nuclei in the center of the connected area. After it accumulates, septa are created to seal off the cell, meiosis creates chromosomes, and the cell where this has taken place grows thick, resistant walls that eventually disconnects. This site becomes known as a zygosporangium, and when the outer layers wear away (allowing the genetic material to be released if ready), it becomes a zygospore. [3] The gametangia used in this process have different "strains", plus and minus. These strains are morphologically similar but differ physiologically and biochemically. [5]		Sexual reproduction in Zygomycota is similar to the conjugation process that a microscopic organism such as a protozoan might use. This is an accurate description; an alternate name of Zygomycetes are Conjugating Fungi. To initiate this form of reproduction, certain hyphae called gametangia form a connection and exchange genetic material in nuclei in the center of the connected area. After it accumulates, septa are created to seal off the cell, meiosis creates chromosomes, and the cell where this has taken place grows thick, resistant walls that eventually disconnects. This site becomes known as a zygosporangium, and when the outer layers wear away (allowing the genetic material to be released if ready), it becomes a zygospore. [3] The gametangia used in this process have different "strains", plus and minus. These strains are morphologically similar but differ physiologically and biochemically. [5]

	=== Asexual Reproduction ===		=== Asexual Reproduction ===

Jasonkac: /* Reproduction */

2018-05-09T04:53:34Z

Reproduction

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:53, 9 May 2018
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	== Reproduction ==		== Reproduction ==
	Members of ~~Aygomycota~~ reproduce both sexually and asexually, with differing life phases based on what type of reproduction is to occur. [5] For the former, gametangial fusion occurs and involves the formation of zygospores. The latter involves sporangia. [2] Besides the pros and cons that natively come with both sexual and asexual reproduction, for members of this phylum, zygospores appear better suited for preserving the fungus during times of hardship, while sporangia seem to be better suited for rapid establishment and colonization. [1] The ability to reproduce sexually is a trait that is uncommon among fungi, although it is not exclusive to Zygomycota. [6]		Members of Zygomycota reproduce both sexually and asexually, with differing life phases based on what type of reproduction is to occur. [5] For the former, gametangial fusion occurs and involves the formation of zygospores. The latter involves sporangia. [2] Besides the pros and cons that natively come with both sexual and asexual reproduction, for members of this phylum, zygospores appear better suited for preserving the fungus during times of hardship, while sporangia seem to be better suited for rapid establishment and colonization. [1] The ability to reproduce sexually is a trait that is uncommon among fungi, although it is not exclusive to Zygomycota. [6]

	=== Zygospores and Sexual Reproduction ===		=== Zygospores and Sexual Reproduction ===

Jasonkac: /* Impact on Other Organisms */

2018-05-09T04:52:57Z

Impact on Other Organisms

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:52, 9 May 2018
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	== Impact on Other Organisms ==		== Impact on Other Organisms ==
	[[File:Bread Mold.jpg\|thumb\|An illustration of a mold (almost certainly a Zygomycete) on bread. (Picture obtained from Imagination Station)]]		[[File:Bread Mold.jpg\|thumb\|An illustration of a mold (almost certainly a Zygomycete) on bread. (Picture obtained from Imagination Station)]]
	This Phylum is mostly terrestrial but does have aquatic members, and it includes many parasitic members; [[Insects]] in particular can be ravaged by Zygomycetes, but many larger animals (including humans) can become diseased by them, as well as smaller mesofauna, such as [[Nematodes]]. Some plants and fungi are also susceptible to infection by parasitic Zygomycetes. [1] However, some invertebrates have Zygomycetes in their digestive tracts, indicating that some members are mutualistic. Zygomycetes are also frequently neutral decomposers. For humans, arguably the main concern that Zygomycetes pose are their presence on spoiling foods, ~~although~~ some species can cause (potentially life-threatening) disease. Those most at risk for this are those with poor immune systems and broken skin. [6] Generally, disease transmission is through the development of spores inside the host, which can range from minor infection (esecially in larger animals) to completely infesting the host and draining it of nutrients, leaving it to die and the Zygomycetes to prepare for further reproduction. However, due to the large range of species (due to Zygomycota being a major Phylum of fungi), the role of Zygomycetes in an ecosystem can vary drastically.		This Phylum is mostly terrestrial but does have aquatic members, and it includes many parasitic members; [[Insects]] in particular can be ravaged by Zygomycetes, but many larger animals (including humans) can become diseased by them, as well as smaller mesofauna, such as [[Nematodes]]. Some plants and fungi are also susceptible to infection by parasitic Zygomycetes. [1] However, some invertebrates have Zygomycetes in their digestive tracts, indicating that some members are mutualistic. Zygomycetes are also frequently neutral decomposers. For humans, arguably the main concern that Zygomycetes pose are their presence on spoiling foods. This is not necessarily a bad thing, though, as many foods have been creating in which molds play a major role in creating it. On the other hand, some species can cause (potentially life-threatening) disease. Those most at risk for this are those with poor immune systems and broken skin. [6] Generally, disease transmission is through the development of spores inside the host, which can range from minor infection (esecially in larger animals) to completely infesting the host and draining it of nutrients, leaving it to die and the Zygomycetes to prepare for further reproduction. However, due to the large range of species (due to Zygomycota being a major Phylum of fungi), the role of Zygomycetes in an ecosystem can vary drastically.

	== References ==		== References ==

Jasonkac at 04:50, 9 May 2018

2018-05-09T04:50:30Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:50, 9 May 2018
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	[[File:Zygomycota.jpg\|thumb\|Sporangia of Pilobolus kleinii. (Picture taken by Malcom Storey and obtained from Tree of Life.)]]		[[File:Zygomycota.jpg\|thumb\|Sporangia of Pilobolus kleinii. (Picture taken by Malcom Storey and obtained from Tree of Life.)]]
	Zygomycota is a Phylum of the Kingdom Fungi. This phylum's name is derived from the method of sexual reproduction used by its members, which involve the creation of zygosporangia and zygospores. Identification through asexual reproduction is possible, but more difficult, so the former is the preferred way to determine the classification of a Zygomycota. [1] There are approximately 900 known species that fall into this Phylum, which composes approximately one-hundredth of all true fungi. It is believed to be one of the earlier branches of fungi, thought to have diverged before plants colonized the lands 600 - 1,400 million years ago. [2] ~~Those species~~ are ~~divided from 124 Genera, 32 Families, and 10 Orders~~. [6]		Zygomycota is a Phylum of the Kingdom Fungi. This phylum's name is derived from the method of sexual reproduction used by its members, which involve the creation of zygosporangia and zygospores. Identification through asexual reproduction is possible, but more difficult, so the former is the preferred way to determine the classification of a Zygomycota. [1] There are approximately 900 known species that fall into this Phylum, which composes approximately one-hundredth of all true fungi. It is believed to be one of the earlier branches of fungi, thought to have diverged before plants colonized the lands 600 - 1,400 million years ago. [2] The unique structures for this Phylum are an uncommon example of sexually-reproducing fungus. [3]

	== Identification ==		== Identification ==
	Most isolated specimens of Zygomycota do not have zygospores present (due to not currently undergoing sexual reproduction), so generally identification is based on sporangial morphology. Once the fungus matures and establishes itself on a medium, identification is most efficiently done, with emphasis on examination of sporangial morphology. Tease mounts with a drop of 95% alcohol is stated to be quite effective. [4] One particularly common example is Black Bread Mold (Rhizobus stolonifer)~~, which belongs to Zygomycota~~. [6] Beyond their unique zygospores, Zygomycetes share many characteristics with their true fungi brethren, such as their chitin walls and hyphae, but their mycelia lack septa. [2]		Most isolated specimens of Zygomycota do not have zygospores present (due to not currently undergoing sexual reproduction), so generally identification is based on sporangial morphology. Once the fungus matures and establishes itself on a medium, identification is most efficiently done, with emphasis on examination of sporangial morphology. Tease mounts with a drop of 95% alcohol is stated to be quite effective. [4] Identification procedures may vary depending on what phase a Zygomycete is currently in for reproduction. [5] One particularly common example of a Zygomycete, however, is Black Bread Mold (Rhizobus stolonifer). Molds are often Zygomycetes. [6] Beyond their unique zygospores, Zygomycetes share many characteristics with their true fungi brethren, such as their chitin walls and hyphae, but their mycelia lack septa. [2] Overall, the defining traits of Zygomycota (their sexual reproduction structures and mycelia without septa) are what tie its members together, spread out as they are over 124 Genera in 32 Families, which themselves are within 10 Orders. [6]

	== Reproduction ==		== Reproduction ==

Jasonkac at 02:57, 8 May 2018

2018-05-08T02:57:54Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:57, 7 May 2018
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	[[File:Zygomycota.jpg\|thumb\|Sporangia of a Pilobolus kleinii. (Picture taken by Malcom Storey and obtained from Tree of Life.)]]		[[File:Zygomycota.jpg\|thumb\|Sporangia of Pilobolus kleinii. (Picture taken by Malcom Storey and obtained from Tree of Life.)]]
	Zygomycota is a Phylum of the Kingdom Fungi. This phylum's name is derived from the method of sexual reproduction used by its members, which involve the creation of zygosporangia and zygospores. Identification through asexual reproduction is possible, but more difficult, so the former is the preferred way to determine the classification of a Zygomycota. [1] There are approximately 900 known species that fall into this Phylum, which composes approximately one-hundredth of all true fungi. It is believed to be one of the earlier branches of fungi, thought to have diverged before plants colonized the lands 600 - 1,400 million years ago. [2] Those species are divided from 124 Genera, 32 Families, and 10 Orders. [6]		Zygomycota is a Phylum of the Kingdom Fungi. This phylum's name is derived from the method of sexual reproduction used by its members, which involve the creation of zygosporangia and zygospores. Identification through asexual reproduction is possible, but more difficult, so the former is the preferred way to determine the classification of a Zygomycota. [1] There are approximately 900 known species that fall into this Phylum, which composes approximately one-hundredth of all true fungi. It is believed to be one of the earlier branches of fungi, thought to have diverged before plants colonized the lands 600 - 1,400 million years ago. [2] Those species are divided from 124 Genera, 32 Families, and 10 Orders. [6]

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	== Impact on Other Organisms ==		== Impact on Other Organisms ==
	[[File:Bread Mold.jpg\|thumb\|An illustration of a mold (almost certainly a Zygomycete) on bread. (Picture obtained from Imagination Station)]]		[[File:Bread Mold.jpg\|thumb\|An illustration of a mold (almost certainly a Zygomycete) on bread. (Picture obtained from Imagination Station)]]
	This Phylum includes many parasitic members; [[Insects]] in particular can be ravaged by Zygomycetes, but many larger animals (including humans) can become diseased by them, as well as smaller mesofauna, such as [[Nematodes]]. Some plants and fungi are also susceptible to infection by parasitic Zygomycetes. [1] However, some invertebrates have Zygomycetes in their digestive tracts, indicating that some members are mutualistic. Zygomycetes are also frequently neutral decomposers. For humans, arguably the main concern that Zygomycetes pose are their presence on spoiling foods, although some species can cause (potentially life-threatening) disease. Those most at risk for this are those with poor immune systems and broken skin. [6] Generally, disease transmission is through the development of spores inside the host, which can range from minor infection (esecially in larger animals) to completely infesting the host and draining it of nutrients, leaving it to die and the Zygomycetes to prepare for further reproduction. However, due to the large range of species (due to Zygomycota being a major Phylum of fungi), the role of Zygomycetes in an ecosystem can vary drastically.		This Phylum is mostly terrestrial but does have aquatic members, and it includes many parasitic members; [[Insects]] in particular can be ravaged by Zygomycetes, but many larger animals (including humans) can become diseased by them, as well as smaller mesofauna, such as [[Nematodes]]. Some plants and fungi are also susceptible to infection by parasitic Zygomycetes. [1] However, some invertebrates have Zygomycetes in their digestive tracts, indicating that some members are mutualistic. Zygomycetes are also frequently neutral decomposers. For humans, arguably the main concern that Zygomycetes pose are their presence on spoiling foods, although some species can cause (potentially life-threatening) disease. Those most at risk for this are those with poor immune systems and broken skin. [6] Generally, disease transmission is through the development of spores inside the host, which can range from minor infection (esecially in larger animals) to completely infesting the host and draining it of nutrients, leaving it to die and the Zygomycetes to prepare for further reproduction. However, due to the large range of species (due to Zygomycota being a major Phylum of fungi), the role of Zygomycetes in an ecosystem can vary drastically.

	== References ==		== References ==

Jasonkac at 02:45, 8 May 2018

2018-05-08T02:45:19Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:45, 7 May 2018
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[File:Zygomycota.jpg\|thumb\|Sporangia of a Pilobolus kleinii. (Picture taken by Malcom Storey and obtained from Tree of Life.)]]		[[File:Zygomycota.jpg\|thumb\|Sporangia of a Pilobolus kleinii. (Picture taken by Malcom Storey and obtained from Tree of Life.)]]
	Zygomycota is a Phylum of the Kingdom Fungi. This phylum's name is derived from the method of sexual reproduction used by its members, which involve the creation of zygosporangia and zygospores. Identification through asexual reproduction is possible, but more difficult, so the former is the preferred way to determine the classification of a Zygomycota. [1] There are approximately 900 known species that fall into this Phylum, which composes approximately one-hundredth of all true fungi. It is believed to be one of the earlier branches of fungi, thought to have diverged before plants colonized the lands 600 - 1,400 million years ago. [2]		Zygomycota is a Phylum of the Kingdom Fungi. This phylum's name is derived from the method of sexual reproduction used by its members, which involve the creation of zygosporangia and zygospores. Identification through asexual reproduction is possible, but more difficult, so the former is the preferred way to determine the classification of a Zygomycota. [1] There are approximately 900 known species that fall into this Phylum, which composes approximately one-hundredth of all true fungi. It is believed to be one of the earlier branches of fungi, thought to have diverged before plants colonized the lands 600 - 1,400 million years ago. [2] Those species are divided from 124 Genera, 32 Families, and 10 Orders. [6]

	== Identification ==		== Identification ==

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:08, 29 March 2022
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[File:Zygomycota.jpg\|thumb\|Sporangia of Pilobolus kleinii. (Picture taken by Malcom Storey and obtained from Tree of Life.)]]		[[File:Zygomycota.jpg\|thumb\|Sporangia of Pilobolus kleinii. (Picture taken by Malcom Storey and obtained from Tree of Life.)]]
	Zygomycota is a Phylum of the Kingdom Fungi. This phylum's name is derived from the method of sexual reproduction used by its members, which involve the creation of zygosporangia and zygospores. Identification through asexual reproduction is possible, but more difficult, so the former is the preferred way to determine the classification of a Zygomycota. [1] There are approximately 900 known species that fall into this Phylum, which composes approximately one-hundredth of all true fungi. It is believed to be one of the earlier branches of fungi, thought to have diverged before plants colonized ~~the lands~~ 600 - 1,400 million years ago. [2] The unique structures for this Phylum are an uncommon example of sexually-reproducing fungus. [3]		Zygomycota is a Phylum of the Kingdom Fungi. This phylum's name is derived from the method of sexual reproduction used by its members, which involve the creation of zygosporangia and zygospores. Identification through asexual reproduction is possible, but more difficult, so the former is the preferred way to determine the classification of a Zygomycota. [1] There are approximately 900 known species that fall into this Phylum, which composes approximately one-hundredth of all true fungi. It is believed to be one of the earlier branches of fungi, thought to have diverged before plants colonized land about 600 - 1,400 million years ago. [2] The unique structures for this Phylum are an uncommon example of sexually-reproducing fungus. [3]

	== Identification ==		== Identification ==
	Most isolated specimens of Zygomycota do not have zygospores present (~~due to~~ not ~~currently undergoing~~ sexual reproduction), so generally identification is based on sporangial morphology. Once the fungus matures and establishes itself on a medium, identification is ~~most efficiently done~~, with emphasis on examination of sporangial morphology. ~~Tease~~ mounts with a drop of 95% alcohol is stated to be quite effective. [4] Identification procedures may vary depending on what phase a Zygomycete is currently in for reproduction. [5] One particularly common example of a Zygomycete, however, is Black Bread Mold (Rhizobus stolonifer). ~~Molds~~ are often Zygomycetes. [6] Beyond their unique zygospores, Zygomycetes share many characteristics with their true fungi brethren, such as their chitin walls and hyphae, but their mycelia lack septa. [2] Overall, the defining traits of Zygomycota (their sexual reproduction structures and mycelia without septa) are what tie its members together, spread out ~~as they are~~ over 124 Genera in 32 Families, ~~which themselves are~~ within 10 Orders. [6]		Most isolated specimens of Zygomycota do not have zygospores present (not in active sexual reproduction), so generally identification is based on sporangial morphology. Once the fungus matures and establishes itself on a medium, identification is easier, with emphasis on examination of sporangial morphology. In addition, tease mounts with a drop of 95% alcohol is stated to be quite effective. [4] Identification procedures may vary depending on what phase a Zygomycete is currently in for reproduction. [5] One particularly common example of a Zygomycete, however, is Black Bread Mold (''Rhizobus stolonifer''). Additionally, molds are often Zygomycetes. [6] Beyond their unique zygospores, Zygomycetes share many characteristics with their true fungi brethren, such as their chitin walls and hyphae, but their mycelia lack septa. [2] Overall, the defining traits of Zygomycota (their sexual reproduction structures and mycelia without septa) are what tie its members together, spread out over 124 Genera in 32 Families, all organized within 10 Orders. [6]

	== Reproduction ==		== Reproduction ==
	Members of Zygomycota reproduce both sexually and asexually, with differing life phases based on what type of reproduction ~~is to occur~~. [5] For ~~the former~~, gametangial fusion occurs and involves the formation of zygospores. ~~The latter~~ involves sporangia. [2] Besides the pros and cons that natively come with both sexual and asexual reproduction, for members of this phylum, zygospores appear better suited for preserving the fungus during times of hardship, while sporangia seem to be better suited for rapid establishment and colonization. [1] The ability to reproduce sexually is a trait that is uncommon among fungi, although it is not exclusive to Zygomycota. [6]		Members of Zygomycota reproduce both sexually and asexually, with differing life phases based on what type of reproduction occurs. [5] For sexual reproduction, gametangial fusion occurs and involves the formation of zygospores. Asexual reproduction involves sporangia and sporangiospores. [2] Besides the pros and cons that natively come with both sexual and asexual reproduction, for members of this phylum, zygospores appear better suited for preserving the fungus during times of hardship, while sporangia seem to be better suited for rapid establishment and colonization. [1] The ability to reproduce sexually is a trait that is uncommon among fungi, although it is not exclusive to Zygomycota. [6]

	=== Zygospores and Sexual Reproduction ===		=== Zygospores and Sexual Reproduction ===
	Sexual reproduction in Zygomycota is similar to the conjugation process that a microscopic organism such as a protozoan might use. ~~This is an accurate description; an alternate name of Zygomycetes are~~ Conjugating Fungi. To initiate this form of reproduction, certain hyphae called gametangia form a connection and exchange genetic material in nuclei in the center of the connected area. After it accumulates, septa are created to seal off the cell, meiosis creates chromosomes, and the cell where this has taken place grows thick, resistant walls that eventually disconnects. This site becomes known as a zygosporangium, and when the outer layers wear away (allowing the genetic material to be released if ready), it becomes a zygospore. [3] The gametangia used in this process have different "strains", plus and minus. These strains are morphologically similar but differ physiologically and biochemically. [5]		Sexual reproduction in Zygomycota is similar to the conjugation process that a microscopic organism such as a protozoan might use. From these similarities, zygospores can also be referred to as Conjugating Fungi. To initiate this form of reproduction, certain hyphae called gametangia form a connection and exchange genetic material in nuclei in the center of the connected area. After it accumulates, septa are created to seal off the cell, meiosis creates chromosomes, and the cell where this has taken place grows thick, resistant walls that eventually disconnects. This site becomes known as a zygosporangium, and when the outer layers wear away (allowing the genetic material to be released if ready), it becomes a zygospore. [3] The gametangia used in this process have different "strains", plus and minus. These strains are morphologically similar but differ physiologically and biochemically. [5]

	=== Asexual Reproduction ===		=== Asexual Reproduction ===
	Asexual reproduction in Zygomycetes is centered on the production of sporangia, which themselves form at the ends of specialized hyphae called sporangiophores. Sporangiospores are formed by internal cleaving of cellular cytoplasm, and eventually the outer walls of sporangia will degrade, allowing spores with the same genetic material of the parent to disperse, aided by natural factors. [2]		Asexual reproduction in Zygomycetes is centered on the production of sporangia, which themselves form at the ends of specialized hyphae called sporangiophores. Sporangiospores are formed by internal cleaving of cellular cytoplasm, and eventually the outer walls of sporangia will degrade, allowing spores with the same genetic material of the parent to disperse, aided by natural factors, such as water or air. [2]

	== Impact on Other Organisms ==		== Impact on Other Organisms ==
	[[File:Bread Mold.jpg\|thumb\|An illustration of a mold ~~(almost certainly a Zygomycete) on bread~~. (Picture obtained from Imagination Station)]]		[[File:Bread Mold.jpg\|thumb\|An illustration of a bread mold and its associated sporangiophores. (Picture obtained from Imagination Station)]]
	This Phylum is mostly terrestrial but does have aquatic members, and ~~it includes~~ many parasitic members; [[Insects]] in particular can be ravaged by Zygomycetes, but many larger [[animals]] (including humans) can become ~~diseased~~ by them, ~~as well as~~ smaller mesofauna, ~~such as~~ [[Nematodes]]. Some plants and fungi are also susceptible to infection by parasitic Zygomycetes. [1] However, some invertebrates have Zygomycetes in their digestive tracts, indicating that some members are mutualistic. Zygomycetes are also frequently neutral decomposers. For humans, arguably the main concern that Zygomycetes pose ~~are~~ their ~~presence on spoiling~~ foods. This is not necessarily a bad thing, though, as many foods have been ~~creating~~ in which molds play a major role ~~in creating it~~. On the other hand, some species can cause (potentially life-threatening) disease. Those most at risk for this are those with poor immune systems and broken skin. [6] Generally, disease transmission is through the development of spores inside the host, which can range from minor infection (esecially in larger animals) to completely infesting the host and draining it of nutrients, leaving it to die and the Zygomycetes to prepare for further reproduction. However, due to the large range of species (due to Zygomycota being a major Phylum of fungi), the role of Zygomycetes in an ecosystem can vary drastically.		This Phylum is mostly terrestrial but does have aquatic members, and many parasitic members; [[Insects]] in particular can be ravaged by Zygomycetes, but many larger [[animals]] (including humans) can become infected by them, along with smaller mesofauna, for example [[Nematodes]]. Some plants and fungi are also susceptible to infection by parasitic Zygomycetes. [1] However, some invertebrates have Zygomycetes in their digestive tracts, indicating that some members are mutualistic. Zygomycetes are also frequently neutral decomposers. For humans, arguably the main concern that Zygomycetes pose is their ability to [[soil]] foods. This is not necessarily a bad thing, though, as many foods have been created in which molds play a major role. On the other hand, some species can cause (potentially life-threatening) disease. Those most at risk for this are those with poor immune systems and broken skin. [6] Generally, disease transmission is through the development of spores inside the host, which can range from minor infection (esecially in larger animals) to completely infesting the host and draining it of nutrients, leaving it to die and the Zygomycetes to prepare for further reproduction. However, due to the large range of species (due to Zygomycota being a major Phylum of fungi), the role of Zygomycetes in an ecosystem can vary drastically.

	== References ==		== References ==