Table of Contents
What are Deuteromycetes?
Deuteromycetes- Fungus: Deuteromycetes are a group of fungi that lack a sexual stage in their life cycle. This means that they reproduce by a process called fragmentation, where the fungus breaks into small pieces that grow into new organisms also we can say new individual.
Reproduction in Deuteromycetes
- There are a variety of ways that reproduction can occur in deuteromycetes. Fission, budding, and also the conidia formation are all common methods of reproduction in these fungi.
- Fission is a type of asexual reproduction where a single cell divides into two daughter cells. This process can occur either through binary fission, where the cell divides in two equal parts, or by multiple fission, where the cell divides into multiple parts.
- Budding is a type of asexual reproduction where a small outgrowth, or bud, forms on the surface of a parent cell. The bud then separates from the parent cell and grows into a new, independent cell.
- Conidia formation is a type of asexual reproduction where a small, spore-like structure called a conidium is produced. However conidia can be dispersed by wind or water and can germinate to form new fungal colonies.
Characteristics of Deuteromycetes
- Deuteromycetes is a large and diverse class of fungi that have asexual reproductive spores. They typically found in soil and on decaying organic matter. Many species are important decomposers, and some are pathogens of plants and also the animals.
- Deuteromycetes typically have a single cell that divides by mitosis to produce a mass of spores. The spores released and can then germinate to produce new fungi.
- Deuteromycetes have a wide variety of morphologies, and many produce fruiting bodies that are visible to the naked eye. The fruiting bodies can also be simple or complex, and can vary in color and shape.
- Many species of Deuteromycetes are important decomposers. However they break down organic matter, releasing nutrients into the soil that can used by plants. Some species are also pathogens of plants and animals. They can cause diseases that can kill or damage plants or animals.
Deuteromycetes Fungi as Pathogens
- The Deuteromycetes fungi are a group of fungi that lack a sexual stage in their life cycle. They are therefore classified as asexual fungi. This group of fungi is commonly known as the “imperfect fungi” as they not able to produce spores through sexual reproduction.
- Deuteromycetes fungi are a diverse group of fungi that can found in a variety of habitats, including soil, water and plants. This group of fungi also known to be a major cause of human and animal infections. Some of the most common human infections caused by Deuteromycetes fungi include candidiasis (thrush), aspergillosis (fungal infection of the lungs) and histoplasmosis (fungal infection of the lungs).
- Deuteromycetes fungi are able to cause infections by invading the body and colonising the tissues. They can also produce toxins that can damage the tissues. Some of the common symptoms of Deuteromycetes fungal infections include fever, coughing, chest pain and shortness of breath.
- Deuteromycetes fungi treated with a range of antifungal medications. Therefore these medications work by killing the fungi or stopping them from multiplying. Treatment of Deuteromycetes fungal infections is often lengthy and may require multiple courses of medication.
Deuteromycetes Classification
There are three classes of deuteromycetes:
- Ascomycetes
- Basidiomycetes
- also the Deuteromycetes
The deuteromycetes are a class of fungi that have not assigned to a phylum. This class is divided into three subclasses:
- Hyphomycetes
- Dematiaceous Fungi
- Basidiomycetes
