BASIDIOBOLUS Meaning and
Definition
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Basidiobolus is a genus of saprophytic fungi that belongs to the family Basidiobolaceae within the order Entomophthorales. It encompasses several species of fungi commonly found in soil, decaying plant material, and the digestive tracts of reptiles and amphibians. The name Basidiobolus is derived from the Latin words "basidio" meaning club-shaped and "bolus" meaning piece or lump, which describes the characteristic shape of its spores.
Members of the Basidiobolus genus are characterized by their unique life cycle, known as the thallus, which consists of two distinguishable phases: the sporangium and the merosporangium. The sporangium is multinucleate and produces sporangiospores, which are dispersed to initiate new colonies. The merosporangium, on the other hand, is a specialized structure for the production of merosporangiospores, the reproductive spores of Basidiobolus fungi.
Although Basidiobolus is generally non-pathogenic to humans, there have been rare reports of infections in immunocompromised individuals. These infections typically manifest as subcutaneous or gastrointestinal diseases, mostly observed in tropical regions. Monitoring and treatment of Basidiobolus infections are essential, as some cases may require surgical intervention to remove the affected tissues.
In conclusion, Basidiobolus is a genus of saprophytic fungi commonly found in soil and decaying plant material. It exhibits a unique life cycle with distinct sporangium and merosporangium phases. While usually non-pathogenic to humans, it can cause infections in certain circumstances, calling for appropriate medical attention.
Common Misspellings for BASIDIOBOLUS
- vasidiobolus
- nasidiobolus
- hasidiobolus
- gasidiobolus
- bzsidiobolus
- bssidiobolus
- bwsidiobolus
- bqsidiobolus
- baaidiobolus
- bazidiobolus
- baxidiobolus
- badidiobolus
- baeidiobolus
- bawidiobolus
- basudiobolus
- basjdiobolus
- baskdiobolus
- basodiobolus
- bas9diobolus
- bas8diobolus
Etymology of BASIDIOBOLUS
The word "Basidiobolus" is derived from the Greek words "basidio-" meaning "club-shaped" or "club-footed" and "bolus" meaning "lump" or "mass". It refers to the club-shaped structure known as basidium that is characteristic of fungi in the order Basidiomycota, which includes the genus Basidiobolus.
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