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Although these fungi only grow to be 2–4 cm (0.8–1.6 in) tall, they can shoot their sporangium, containing their spores, up to 2 m (6.6 ft) away. Due to an increase of pressure in the vesicle , the sporangium can accelerate 0–45 mph in the first millimeter of its flight, which corresponds to an acceleration of 20000 g .
The light-absorbing compound in the fungus cell membranes had the effect of turning the water black. [5] While there are many cases of extremophiles (organisms that can live in severe conditions such as that of the radioactive power plant), a hypothetical radiotrophic fungus would grow because of the radiation, rather than in spite of it. [6]
The desert fungi are a variety of terricolous fungi inhabiting the biological soil crust of arid regions.Those exposed to the sun typically contain melanin and are resistant to high temperatures, dryness and low nutrition.
The optimal temperature this fungus grows under is 25 °C (77 °F). [5] This fungus is xerotolerant as it can thrive in environments with low water activity caused by high salinity (halotolerant) or other dissolved solutes. [5] This fungus has been observed to grow in as low as 0.815 a w (water activity) in vitro. [7]
The English word fungus is directly adopted from the Latin fungus (mushroom), used in the writings of Horace and Pliny. [10] This in turn is derived from the Greek word sphongos (σφόγγος 'sponge'), which refers to the macroscopic structures and morphology of mushrooms and molds; [11] the root is also used in other languages, such as the German Schwamm ('sponge') and Schimmel ('mold').
Aspergillus flavus is unique in that it is a thermotolerant fungus, so can survive at temperatures that other fungi cannot. [12] [13] A. flavus can contribute to the storage rots, especially when the plant material is stored at high moisture levels. A. flavus grows and thrives in hot and humid climates. [10]
Terrestrial fungi play critical roles in nutrient cycling and food webs and can shape macroorganism communities as parasites and mutualists. Although estimates for the number of fungal species on the planet range from 1.5 to over 5 million, likely fewer than 10% of fungi have been identified so far.
Mold spores are often spherical or ovoid single cells, but can be multicellular and variously shaped. Spores may cling to clothing or fur; some are able to survive extremes of temperature and pressure. Although molds can grow on dead organic matter everywhere in nature, their presence is visible to the unaided eye only when they form large ...