''Rhizomucor miehei'' (also: ''Mucor miehei'' ) is a species of
fungus
A fungus (: fungi , , , or ; or funguses) is any member of the group of eukaryotic organisms that includes microorganisms such as yeasts and mold (fungus), molds, as well as the more familiar mushrooms. These organisms are classified as one ...
. It is commercially used to produce
enzymes
An enzyme () is a protein that acts as a biological catalyst by accelerating chemical reactions. The molecules upon which enzymes may act are called substrates, and the enzyme converts the substrates into different molecules known as pro ...
which can be used to produce a
microbial rennet to curd milk and produce
cheese
Cheese is a type of dairy product produced in a range of flavors, textures, and forms by coagulation of the milk protein casein. It comprises proteins and fat from milk (usually the milk of cows, buffalo, goats or sheep). During prod ...
.
Under experimental conditions, this species grows particularly well at temperatures between 24 and 55°C, and their growth becomes negligible below 21°C or above 57°C.
It is also used to produce
lipases for
interesterification of fats.
See also
*
Industrial enzymes
References
External links
Index Fungorumlisting
Fungi
{{zygomycota-stub