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Zygospore formation inMortierella capitata

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Mycoscience

Abstract

A novel type of zygospore formation is described in the heterothallic speciesMortierella capitata, which was repeatedly isolated from soils inhabited by pillbugs (Armadillidium vulgare, Isopoda). Zygospore formation was induced on media containing sterilized arthropods. Anisogamy and colorless zygospore walls are shared with other zygosporic species ofMortierella, but a unique feature ofM. capitata is the production of zygospores on elongated macrosuspensors which are covered by branches of the microsuspensors. This kind of zygosporogenesis is termed “capitata-type” here. The taxonomic position ofM. capitata is discussed based on the zygospore characteristics.

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Degawa, Y., Tokumasu, S. Zygospore formation inMortierella capitata . Mycoscience 38, 387–394 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02461677

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