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PHARMACEUTICAL BOTANY 
specialized and definite are called haustoria. In the higher forms the 
hyphae become consolidated into false tissues, and assume definite 
shapes according to the species. Of this character are the fructi- 
fying organs which constitute the above ground parts of Puff 
Balls, Cup Fungi, Mushrooms, etc. There are four classes of 
Fungi, viz.: Phycomycetes, Ascomycetes, Basidiomycetes and 
Fungi Imperfecti. 
Class I. — Phycomycetes, or Alga-like Fungi 
The Phycomycetes represent a small group of fungi showing close 
affinity with the green algae. Their mycelium is composed of coeno- 
cytic hyphae, which suggests a close relation with the Siphonales 
group of green algae. Their sexual organs are likewise similar in 
structure. Transverse septa appear upon the formation of repro- 
ductive organs separating these structures from the vegetative 
hyphae. 
Sub-class A. — Zygomycetes 
(Sexual apparatus shows isogamy) 
Order 1.- Mucorales, the black molds, mostly saprophytic. Ex- 
amples: Mucor Mucedo, Rhizopus nigricans , Thamnidium, Pilobolus. 
Rhizopus nigricans (Mucor stolonifer), commonly known as 
“ Black Mold” or “ Black Bread Mold,” is frequently found on bread, 
jellies, syrups, acetic pharmaceutical extracts and other substrata, 
where it forms a dense thready mycelium bearing numerous black 
tiny spore cases. The source of this mold is the spores which are 
found in the air or water with which the attacked substratum is 
in contact. Each of these upon germinating sprouts out and forms 
three kinds of hyphae, viz.: rhizoidal or submerged hyphae, spor- 
angiophores or aerial hyphae and stoloniferous hyphae. The branch- 
ing rhizoidal hyphae penetrate the substratum and secrete a dias- 
tatic ferment which changes the water insoluble carbohydrate 
materials into a soluble sugar which passes into solution and is 
absorbed by their walls. This, upon entering the hyphae, is converted 
into protoplasm, and so the mold increases in size. Sporangiophores 
or aerial hyphae arise vertically or obliquely from a bulged-out 
