Home • Entophlyctis luteolus JEL0129 v1.0
Entophlyctis luteolus JEL0129. Photo by Joyce Longcore.
Entophlyctis luteolus JEL0129. Photo by Joyce Longcore.

Entophlyctis luteolus (JEL0129) is classified in the family Chytriomycetaceae within the Chytridiales and Chytridiomycota. Described by Joyce Longcore, this species is distinguished by endobiotic growth as well as having very long and broad, inoperculate discharge tubes. The species has been isolated from onion skin bait and moribund Utricularia (aquatic plant). The species is known from Maine and Michigan, USA, but likely has a broader distribution. Electron microscopic analysis identified a fenestrated cisternum, parallel nonflagellated centriole to the kinetosome, aggregated ribosomes, and a single lipid droplet, all characteristics of the Chytridiales, which has been confirmed by molecular phylogenetics. Entophylctis is a form genus, and highly polyphyletic. Isolate JEL0129 and other Entophlyctis strains form a clade sister to Physocladia obscura. Genome sequencing is being used to investigate the systematics of chytrids using a phylogenomic approach. The data also will reveal the enzymatic strategies used by these fungi on their plant-based substrates. Complete genomes and predicted proteomes will help shed light on the ecological role and life cycles of the chytrid fungi.

References:

Longcore, J. E. (1995). Morphology and Zoospore Ultrastructure of Entophlyctis luteolus sp. nov (Chytridiales): Implications for chytrid taxonomy. Mycologia. 87:25.

Simmons et al. (2020). “The Collection of Zoosporic Eufungi at the University of Michigan (CZEUM). IMA Fungus 11:20.