Neocallimastigomycota

Neocallimastigomycota is a phylum containing anaerobic fungi, which are symbionts found in the digestive tracts of larger herbivores. Anaerobic fungi were originally placed within phylum Chytridiomycota, within Order Neocallimastigales but later raised to phylum level, a decision upheld by later phylogenetic reconstructions. It encompasses only one family. The fungi in Neocallimastigomycota were first recognised as fungi by Orpin in 1975, based on motile cells present in the rumen of sheep. Their zoospores had been observed much earlier but were believed to be flagellate protists, but Orpin demonstrated that they possessed a chitin cell wall. It has since been shown that they are fungi related to the core chytrids. Prior to this, the microbial population of the rumen was believed to consist only of bacteria and protozoa. Since their discovery they have been isolated from the digestive tracts of over 50 herbivores, including ruminant and non-ruminant (hindgut-fermenting) mammals and herbivorous reptiles. Neocallimastigomycota have also been found in humans. These fungi reproduce in the rumen of ruminants through the formation of zoospores which are released from sporangia. These zoospores bear a kinetosome but lack the nonflagellated centriole known in most chytrids, and have been known to utilize horizontal gene transfer in their development of xylanase (from bacteria) and other glucanases. The nuclear envelopes of their cells are notable for remaining intact throughout mitosis. Sexual reproduction has not been observed in anaerobic fungi. However, they are known to be able to survive for many months in aerobic environments, a factor which is important in the colonisation of new hosts. In Anaeromyces, the presence of putative resting spores has been observed but the way in which these are formed and germinate remains unknown. Neocallimastigomycota lack mitochondria but instead contain hydrogenosomes in which the oxidation of NADH to NAD+, leading to formation of H2. Neocallimastigomycota play an essential role in fibre-digestion in their host species.