Rhizopus, also known as bread mold, reproduces sexually when two compatible hyphae fuse. This process produces diploid zygospores, which germinate into new mycelia.

Steps in sexual reproduction 

1. Compatible hyphae come into contact
2. Small outgrowths called progametangia form
3. The progametangia mature and the common wall disappears
4. The contents of the progametangia mix, fusing (+) and (-) strains
5. Diploid nuclei form
6. The zygospore enlarges and secretes a five-layered structure
7. The zygospore enters a resting period
8. The zygospore germinates, producing germ sporangiophores or promycelium
9. The promycelium develops a germ sporangium at the tip, releasing spores
10. Each spore germinates to form a new mycelium.