''Uncinocarpus queenslandicus'' is a species of micro

fungi A fungus ( : fungi or funguses) is any member of the group of eukaryotic organisms that includes microorganisms such as yeasts and molds, as well as the more familiar mushrooms. These organisms are classified as a kingdom, separately from ...

that grows in soil and

keratin Keratin () is one of a family of structural fibrous proteins also known as ''scleroproteins''. Alpha-keratin (α-keratin) is a type of keratin found in vertebrates. It is the key structural material making up scales, hair, nails, feathers, ho ...

ous materials, such as hair. It was the fourth species to be designated as part of the genus ''

Uncinocarpus ''Uncinocarpus'' is a genus of fungi within the Onygenaceae family. The name is derived from the Latin word ''uncinus'', meaning "hook" and the Greek word ''karpos'' (καρπός), meaning "fruit". It was distinguished from the genus ''Gymnoascu ...

''. Its name is derived from the Australian state of

Queensland ) , nickname = Sunshine State , image_map = Queensland in Australia.svg , map_caption = Location of Queensland in Australia , subdivision_type = Country , subdivision_name = Australia , established_title = Before federation , established_ ...

, where it was first isolated.

Taxonomy

Three synonyms for ''U. queenslandicus'' were first described in 1976 by A.E. Apinis and R.G. Rees as ''Apinisa queenslandicus'' during a survey of keratinous soil fungi in

Queensland, Australia ) , nickname = Sunshine State , image_map = Queensland in Australia.svg , map_caption = Location of Queensland in Australia , subdivision_type = Country , subdivision_name = Australia , established_title = Before federation , established_ ...

. Indian mycologists Banani Sur and Gouri R. Ghosh first described ''Orromyces spiralis'' in 1985 during a survey of keratinophilic soil fungi. In 1987, Spanish mycologists J. Guarro, L. Punsola and J. Cano first described ''Byssonygena reticulata'' as the type species of a new genus. Canadian mycologists Lynne Sigler, Arlene Flis and J.W. Carmichael first proposed that all three of these species be placed in the genus ''Uncinocarpus'' in 1998. Though crossings between these three species and ''U. queenslandicus'' were either unsuccessful, or not performed in the case of ''O. spiralis'' they based their decision on each of the species' morphological similarities to '' U. orissi'', as well as their ability to degrade keratin, a characteristic feature of ''Uncinocarpus''.

Description

In culture on potato yeast extract, colonies of ''U. queenslandicus'' are yellowish white in colour before darkening to a tan or light brown. Colonies take on a velvety to cottony texture. It produces the enzyme

urease Ureases (), functionally, belong to the superfamily of amidohydrolases and phosphotriesterases. Ureases are found in numerous bacteria, fungi, algae, plants, and some invertebrates, as well as in soils, as a soil enzyme. They are nickel-containin ...

, allowing it to convert urea to ammonia and carbon dioxide. ''U. queenslandicus'' possesses appendages that are loosely or irregularly spiraled.

References

{{Taxonbar, from=Q59154272 Onygenales Fungi described in 1998 Fungus species