The main difference between Rhizopus and Aspergillus is that Rhizopus belongs to the division Mucoromycota whereas Aspergillus belongs to the division Ascomycota.
Rhizopus and Aspergillus are two types of saprophytic fungi belonging to the kingdom of Fungi. Generally, Rhizopus and Aspergillus cause fungal infections.
Key Areas Covered
1. What are Rhizopus
– Definition, Structure, Function
2. What are Aspergillus
– Definition, Structure, Function
3. Similarities Between Rhizopus and Aspergillus
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Rhizopus and Aspergillus
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Aspergillus, Rhizopus
What is Rhizopus
Rhizopus is a genus of mold fungi that includes some economically valuable forms and some plant or animal pathogens. The most significant feature of Rhizopus that helps to distinguish it from Mucor is the presence of rhizoids at the base of the sporangiophore, which is called the nodal position. Rhizoids aid in the absorption of food while attaching the mycelium to the substrate as well. The sporangiophore is also attached to rhizoids through a stolon. Both sporangium and columella collapse after the dispersal of spores.
Figure 1: Rhizopus
Furthermore, Rhizopus is a genus that belongs to the division Mucoromycotina. It is also a sac fungus that is saprophytic on plants. However, it is parasitic on animals. Generally, it occurs in a wide variety of organic habitats, including mature vegetables and fruits, syrups, jellies, peanuts, bread, and tobacco. Rhizopus is a multicellular fungus. Normally, it grows into filamentous, branching hyphae, generally lacking cross walls. In addition to that, it is an opportunistic human pathogen that causes the disease mucormycosis.
What is Aspergillus
Aspergillus is a genus of ascomycetous fungi with branched radiate sporophores, including many common molds. It contains seven subgenera and about 250 species. Furthermore, the main characteristic of Aspergillus is the asexual spore-forming structure. Aspergillus is a saprophyte that grows on decaying vegetation. In addition, this fungus can grow in high osmotic pressure conditions, such as high concentrations of sugar and salt.
Figure 2: Aspergillus
Moreover, Aspergillus contains branched, radiate sporophores. It is also one of the best-known and well-studied mold groups. The asexual spore-forming structure of Aspergillus or the conidiophore is called the aspergillum, which is a cylindrical structure. However, only one-third of the Aspergillus species undergo sexual reproduction. Generally, Aspergillus is a conidial fungus. It also has a structure called aspergillum, which is an asexual spore-forming structure. On the other hand, around one-third of the Aspergillus species have a sexual stage. However, some species of Aspergillus cause fungal infections.
Similarities Between Rhizopus and Aspergillus
- Rhizopus and Aspergillus are two genera of fungi.
- Both are saprophytic.
- Both cause diseases in humans.
Difference Between Rhizopus and Aspergillus
Definition
Rhizopus refers to any of a genus of mold fungi, including some economically valuable forms and some plant or animal pathogens, while Aspergillus refers to a genus consisting of several hundred mold species found in various climates worldwide.
Taxonomy
Rhizopus belongs to the division Mucoromycota, while Aspergillus belongs to the division Ascomycota.
Structure
Rhizopus is a sac fungus, while Aspergillus is a mold.
Diseases
Rhizopus causes mucormycosis, but Aspergillus causes Aspergillosis.
Treatments
The infections of Rhizopus require aggressive surgical intervention, while the infections of Aspergillus require systemic antifungals.
Conclusion
In brief, Rhizopus and Aspergillus are two types of fungi that are saprophytic. Generally, Rhizopus belongs to the division Mucoromycota, which is a sac fungus. The fungus causes mucormycosis, an infection that requires aggressive surgical intervention. In comparison, Aspergillus belongs to the division Ascomycota. It is a mold that causes Aspergillosis. However, the treatment of the Aspergillus infection requires systemic antifungals. Overall, the main difference between Rhizopus and Aspergillus is their structure.
References:
- Bhagat M, Rapose A. Rapidly progressing dual infection with Aspergillus and Rhizopus: when soil inhabitants become deadly invaders. BMJ Case Rep. 2016 Dec 8;2016:bcr2016217535. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2016-217535. PMID: 27932434; PMCID: PMC5174834.
Image Courtesy:
- “Structure of Rhizopus spp.-english” By Timleo – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
- “Aspergillus niger 01” By Rasbak – Own Work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
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