Rhizophydiales

The Rhizophydiales are an order of fungi within the phylum Chytridiomycota. These microscopic organisms are characterized by having zoospores, which are motile cells with a single, posterior whiplash flagellum. Most species are found in freshwater or moist soils and can be parasitic on algae and animals, or live as saprobes on organic debris. Some species within this order are known to cause plant diseases, and one notable species, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, is responsible for a disease affecting amphibians. Fungi, including those in the Rhizophydiales, absorb nutrients by secreting enzymes to digest organic matter externally, then absorbing the dissolved substances through their hyphal walls. Some fungi also develop specialized root-like hyphae called rhizoids to anchor themselves and absorb food.1234