Rhizopus mould (Rhizopus oligosporus) Science Image

Ref: 80012871



Coloured scanning electron micrograph of fruiting bodies and spores of the fungus Rhizopus oligosporus. The fruiting bodies consist of globose sporangia containing large numbers of sporangiospores (small round). Each sporangia is supported by an upright aerial hypha called a sporangiophore (stalk-like). Rhizopus is an important fungal species in food production as it manufactures the essential amino acid tryptophan. R. oligosporus is used in the production of "tempeh", a solid fermented meat substitute made from soya beans. Magnification: x140 at 4x7cm size. x500 at 9x5"