Fungus Rhodotorula minuta, SEM

Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the basidiomycete yeast (Rhodotorula minuta). Rhodotorula minuta is an emerging yeast pathogen causing infection particularly in immunocompromised patients. Reports of disease include hip joint sepsis and catheter related sepsis in a HIV positive patient. Rhodotorula species are pigmented yeasts. This distinctive colour is the result of pigments that the yeast creates to block out certain wavelengths of light that would otherwise be damaging to the cell. Rhodotorula minuta colonies are typically pink and smooth and are usually isolated from shrimp, cheese, mammals and air. Rhodotorula minuta, an excellent producer of isobutene that is a potential candidate to help overcome the global shortage of crude oil deposits. Rhodotorula is a common in the environment. It can be cultured from soil, water, and air samples. Magnification: x3,200 when shortest axis printed at 25 millimetres.