The zygosporangium is formed after the walls of the gametangia break down and a single zygospore is formed. The zygospore is the only diploid structure in the life cycle of zygomycetes. When you try to key some of the fungi found in the class Zygomycetes, you will come across some terms which you will need to know in order to identify the genus. In this exercise, you will follow the given key to confirm the identity of the different species, draw and note their distinguishing characteristics and compare what you see under the dissecting and compound microscopes with the provided illustrations and electron micrographs. The Mucorales characteristically produce a profuse, well-developed mycelium that is fast growing.
Most species are saprobic.
Members of the Mucorales are among the most common of fungi and are readily isolated from a wide variety of habitats. Asexual reproduction is by means of sporangiospores in sporangia or sporangiola and sexual reproduction is by production of zygospores in zygosporangia. In this family, all of the sporangia are borne singly with thin walls and multiple sporangiospores inside. The sporangia are always columellate. Mucor - no rhizoids or stolons and the sporangium lacks an apophysis.