The genus Rhizopus, contains about 10 species of fungi that have industrial importance. Rhizopus stolonifer has importance to the environment. This type of mold has a key role in the carbon cycle because it works as a decomposer of soil, dung, and other organic materials. It recycles materials like sugar and starch. Causes rotting in fruits, mainly fruits with high amounts of sugar such as strawberries, and mold on breads. This is good because the compounds of the fruit and bread are being recycled instead of wasted. Rhizopus stolonifer can also be used in medications, such as the birth control pill. The mold produces steroids within its cells that are present in the birth control pill.
Rhizopus arrhizus is another form of fungus that is extremely beneficial to humans. One of its most extraordinary uses is as a steroid transformer. It can convert diosgenin from Mexican yams into an intermediate that can produce cortisone. Before this method was discovered, it was extremely difficult to produce cortisone, requiring 37 chemical steps. Some of these steps were difficult and expensive. Due to the difficulty and cost of these steps, one gram of cortisone was $200. After the method was discovered the price fell to $0.46 per gram. In addition to being used as a cheap way to produce cortisone, it also produces lipase. This enzyme is generally sold to universities and other institutions for research purposes.