Rhizopus(Rhizopus Oryzae) Species Information

The genus Rhizopus is a cosmopolitan fungus with a worldwide distribution. It a member of the division Zygomycota unlike other indoor air fungi.

Rhizopus(Rhizopus Oryzae) Scientific Information

The genus Rhizopus produces spores in structures called sporangia, which look like sacs of spores. The sporangia in Rhizopus have columellas and the spores are ovoid. Rhizopus is distinguished from the genus Mucor by rhizoids, which are root-like structures (in latin rhizo=root).

Rhizopus(Rhizopus Oryzae) Growth Characteristics

Rhizopus has a rapid growth rate and a wooly texture. The colonies are typically grayish to brownish.

Where is Rhizopus(Rhizopus Oryzae) found?

Rhizopus is often isolated from soil and plant material, and some species can also be a plant pathogens. It is commonly known as the bread mold and indoors it can be isolated from dust, wood pulp, food and food products.

Rhizopus(Rhizopus Oryzae) Health Effects

Rhizopus is an agent of zygomycosis. There are 4 kinds of systemic disease: rhinocerebral, thoracic, gastrointestinal, and cutaneous. In most cases patients are already compromised in some manner, i.e. people with diabetes or leukemia.

Is Rhizopus(Rhizopus Oryzae) a "black mold"