Water Mold (historic misnomer)

Allomyces macrogynus

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Phylum Blastocladiomycota

Family Blastocladiaceae

Conservation Not applicable - common and not threatened

Complete Taxonomy

Kingdom: Fungi

Phylum: Blastocladiomycota

Class: Blastocladiomycetes

Order: Blastocladiales

Family: Blastocladiaceae

Genus: Allomyces

Species: A. macrogynus

Description

Allomyces macrogynus is a model organism for studying fungal cell biology, sexual reproduction, and aquatic fungal ecology. This species exhibits a sophisticated life cycle with alternation between haploid and diploid generations, producing both motile male and female gametes. Its relatively large size (for a chytrid) and ease of culture make it valuable for research.

Physical Characteristics

Cap Shape: Branched filamentous thallus with distinct sporangia

Cap Color: Translucent to cream colored mycelium

Size: Thallus several millimeters; sporangia 30-60 micrometers

Gill Attachment: N/A

Spore Print: N/A

Stipe: Branched hyphae with cross-walls; sporangia terminal

Habitat: Freshwater, soil, plant debris

Fruiting Season: Continuous in culture; seasonal in nature

Distribution

Worldwide in freshwater and soil

Habitat

Saprotroph in freshwater, particularly on decaying plant material. Also found in soil. Thrives in laboratory culture.

Ecological Role

Decomposer of plant material in aquatic environments. Part of aquatic food webs.

Cultural Significance

Important model organism in cell biology and genetics research. Used extensively in studies of:

Fascinating Facts

Exhibits true alternation of generations (like plants)
Produces distinct male and female gametes
Can complete entire life cycle in 2 weeks
Female gametes (eggs) release pheromone attracting male gametes (sperm)
One of few fungi with well-characterized sex pheromones
Easily cultured in laboratory
Male gametes are attracted to female pheromone (sirenin)
Used in classic studies of fungal reproduction