Mould spores (Rhizopus oryzae), SEM

Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of Mould spores from Rhizopus oryzae. R. oryzae (also known as Rhizopus delemar) is the most common cause of zygomycosis. Zygomycosis is a life-threatening infection (causing subcutaneous and systemic infections) that usually occurs in immunocompromised patients. Sporangiophores (sporangia) arise from stolons, opposite rhizoids, and produce angular spores with surface ridges. R. oryzae has a worldwide distribution with a high incidence in tropical and subtropical regions. It is often used in the production of fermented foods and alcoholic beverages in Indonesia, China and Japan. It can be found growing in soils, decaying vegetation, foods, and animal and bird dung. A number of Rhizopus species are used in industry for food fermentation, production of hydrolytic enzymes and manufacture of the fermentation products lactic acid and fumaric acid. Magnification: x1,335 when shortest axis printed at 25