Introduction to Mucor

Introduction to Mucor

Classification

Kingdom: Mycota

Division: Zygomycota

Class: Zygomycetes

Order: Mucorales

Family: Mucoraceae

Genus: Mucor

Common name: Pin mold, Bread mold, Black mold.

Occurrence

Mucor is a saprophytic fungus that grows in dead and decaying organic matter like moist bread, jam, jelly, pickles, etc. They are also found in the soil which is very rich in humus.

Structure

Mucor is a hyphal fungus body structure consisting of a fine thin thread-like tubular branch colony mass of mycelium. The unit structure of mycelium is hyphae. A hypha is coenocytic.

Mucor - Part of hypha showing the detailed structure and Mycelium of Mucor with Sporangiophore

Types of Hypha

Prostrate Hypha

A prostrate hypha is a horizontally growing unsubstratum. They absorb nutrition from the substratum.

Sub-terranean Hypha

They are more branched and deeply penetrating prostrate hypha. They also absorb nutrition from the substratum.

Aerial Hypha

Aerial hypha is an erect hypha developing from prostrate hypha. They are also called sporangiophore which bears sporangium at its tip.