Polyflagellate Gut Fungus
Orpinomyces joyonii
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Edibility inedible
Phylum Neocallimastigomycota
Family Neocallimastigaceae
Conservation Not applicable
Complete Taxonomy
Kingdom: Fungi
Phylum: Neocallimastigomycota
Class: Neocallimastigomycetes
Order: Neocallimastigales
Family: Neocallimastigaceae
Genus: Orpinomyces
Species: O. joyonii
Description
Orpinomyces joyonii is an anaerobic fungus from herbivore digestive tracts, distinguished by its polyflagellate zoospores. It possesses exceptionally powerful lignocellulolytic enzymes, making it valuable for biofuel research and improving livestock feed efficiency.
Physical Characteristics
Cap Shape: Microscopic polycentric thallus
Cap Color: Microscopic
Size: Microscopic
Gill Attachment: N/A
Spore Print: N/A
Stipe: Polyflagellate zoospores
Habitat: Herbivore guts
Fruiting Season: Continuous
Distribution
Worldwide
Habitat
Anaerobic environments in herbivore digestive systems.
Ecological Role
Fiber degradation in herbivore digestion. Critical for converting recalcitrant plant material to nutrients.
Fascinating Facts
- Produces polyflagellate zoospores
- Extremely potent cellulolytic enzymes
- Valuable for biofuel industry
- Can degrade crystalline cellulose
- Improves animal feed efficiency
- Research target for sustainable biomass conversion