Phycomyces
Encyclopedia
Phycomyces is a genus of fungus
in the Zygomycota
phylum. They are known for their strong phototropism
response and helical growth
of the sporangium. The best studied species is Phycomyces blakesleeanus
.
Fungus
A fungus is a member of a large group of eukaryotic organisms that includes microorganisms such as yeasts and molds , as well as the more familiar mushrooms. These organisms are classified as a kingdom, Fungi, which is separate from plants, animals, and bacteria...
in the Zygomycota
Zygomycota
Zygomycota, or zygote fungi, is a phylum of fungi. The name comes from zygosporangia, where resistant spherical spores are formed during sexual reproduction. Approximately 1060 species are known. They are mostly terrestrial in habitat, living in soil or on decaying plant or animal material...
phylum. They are known for their strong phototropism
Phototropism
Phototropism is directional growth in which the direction of growth is determined by the direction of the light source. In other words, it is the growth and response to a light stimulus. Phototropism is most often observed in plants, but can also occur in other organisms such as fungi...
response and helical growth
Helical growth
The term helical growth describes the expansion of fungal, algal or higher plant cells or organs leading to a twisted cell or organ shape. Helical growth results in the breaking of symmetry . Resulting shapes may be left-handed or right-handed. Helical growth can arise naturally The term helical...
of the sporangium. The best studied species is Phycomyces blakesleeanus
Phycomyces blakesleeanus
Phycomyces blakesleeanus is a filamentous fungus in the Order Mucorales of the phylum Zygomycota or subphylum Mucormycotina. The spore-bearing sporangiophores of Phycomyces are very sensitive to different environmental signals including light, gravity, wind, chemicals and adjacent objects...
.