Search results
Asexual reproductive spores
- Molds reproduce primarily by means of asexual reproductive spores such as conidiospores, sporangiospores, and arthrospores. These spores are disseminated by air, water, animals, or objects. Upon landing on a suitable environment, they germinate and produce new hyphae.
biocyclopedia.com › index › biotechnology_methodsThe Fungi, Part 2-The Molds | Microbiology | Biotechnology ...
People also ask
What is a mold fungus?
How big are mold spores?
Is mold a plant or a fungus?
How do mold spores grow?
Aug 31, 2023 · Define: mold; hyphae; mycelium; vegetative mycelium; aerial mycelium. Briefly describe the following fungal asexual reproductive spores: conidiospores; macroconidia, microconidia; sporangiospores; arthrospores; Define dermatophyte, list 2 genera of dermatophytes, and name three dermatophytic infections.
- What Are Molds (or Moulds)? – A Quick Overview
- The Classification of Molds – Zygomycota and Ascomycota
- Examples of Common Molds – Rhizopus, Aspergillus, and Penicillium
- The Anatomy of Molds – Hyphae and Spores
- How Do Molds Grow?
- Good and Bad of Molds
- Summary
Molds belong to the Kingdom of Fungus
A mold (US) or mould (UK) is usually referred to as a type of fungi (singular: fungus). Molds grow in multicellular fiber-liked structures called hyphae and reproduce by spreading spores. Unlike mushrooms that develop caps, gills, and stalks above the ground, molds do not grow into large fruit bodies. Molds are also distinct from yeasts which are single-celled fungi. [In this image] Three types of fungi. Molds are fungi that grow in multicellular fibers known as hyphae. Yeasts, on the other h...
Molds thrive in humid and dark environments with organic matter
During humid and warm summers, molds flourish everywhere. However, for mold growth to occur, three conditions must be met: high humidity, moderate to warm temperatures, and the presence of biodegradable organic materials.
Molds in our life
Most people don’t like molds and may even panic if they find molds in their houses. Extensive growth of molds can damage furniture and houses. Some molds are allergic or even toxic to people. [In this image] Molds require moisture and humidity to grow and thrive. They thrive in damp, humid, and wet conditions, which is why it is essential to maintain dryness in homes, especially in walls and carpets. Moisture in the form of water leaks, flooding, high humidity, and condensation can provide th...
Types of molds
Mold is a general term for a diverse group of fungal species that grow on decomposed organic materials (i.e., food) in a fuzzy appearance. This appearance mainly comes from the spores produced on the surface of mold colonies. [In this image] Various Penicillium, Aspergillus spp., and other fungi growing in axenic culture. Image source: wiki Hyphomycetes is the scientific classification for molds, which are estimated to have 400,000 species. They can be classified into two divisions or phyla:...
Three common types of molds
There are three common types (or genus) of molds: [In this image]Three common types of molds – Rhizopus, Aspergillus, and Penicillium.
Rhizopus
Rhizopus is classified under Zygomycota. This group comprises various species such as Rhizopus stolonifera, commonly known as black bread molds, that commonly decompose stored food. Rhizopus thrives rapidly in humid indoor environments, and certain species can cause a severe and often fatal illness known as mucormycosis in humans. [In this image] Rhizopus stolonifera or black bread mold is the most common specie of Rhizopus.
Aspergillus
Aspergillus is a genus of molds within the Ascomycota classification, comprising several hundred species. Some Aspergillusspecies are used in industry as they produce enzymes such as lysozyme. However, certain species can cause infections in humans and animals. [In this image] Aspergillus fumigatusis an opportunistic pathogen that can cause diseases in humans.
The structures of Penicillium
Here, we use Penicilliumas an example of Ascomycota to show you the basic structures of molds. [In this image] The basic structures of Penicillium.
The structure of Aspergillus
Aspergillus and Penicillium are both Ascomycota fungi and share a similar structure with some minor differences. They both grow by filamentous hyphae, forming a mycelium. Some hyphae differentiate into L- or T-shaped foot cells, which branch to create conidiophores. On the tips of the conidiophores of Aspergillus, hyphae give rise to spherical, elliptical, or club-shaped structures called vesicles. The surface of these vesicles is covered with a layer of phialide cells or sterigma, similar to...
The structure of Rhizopus
The structure of Rhizopus is distinct from that of Penicillium and Aspergillus as it belongs to the Zygomycota group.
Molds like to grow on humid, dark organic matter
Molds thrive in moist, warm environments with a source of organic matter to feed on. They are commonly found in damp, humid areas such as bathrooms, basements, and kitchens. They also grow well in dark, enclosed spaces, such as inside walls or under carpeting. Molds require humidity to survive, as their spores need water to initiate their life cycle. Once the spores settle, they begin to germinate and form hyphae. These hyphae then grow and branch out, forming a dense network called mycelium....
Life cycles of molds
Most molds follow the same four-stage life cycle: Hyphae growth, Spore formation, Spore liberation (dispersal), and Spore germination.
Sexual reproduction
Molds typically reproduce asexually; however, they may enter into a sexual reproduction cycle when environmental conditions become unfavorable. Sexual reproduction in fungi involves the fusion of genetic material from two fungi and a rearrangement of genes through meiosis. This process increases genetic diversity, promoting the chances of survival under stressful conditions. The sexual reproduction cycles for Zygomycetes and Ascomycetes are distinct (see images below). [In this image] Zygomyc...
Molds can cause diseases in humans, animals, and plants
Molds can cause illnesses in humans and animals. These health effects can result from an allergic reaction to mold, the growth of pathogenic molds within the body, or the ingestion or inhalation of mycotoxins produced by molds. The danger of the mold will depend on what type it is. There are three main classifications of mold: Hazard Class A – Toxic Molds:Some molds can produce toxic substances called mycotoxins and can lead to serious or even fatal health conditions. The poison caused by myc...
Molds can cure human diseases – The discovery of penicillin
Penicillin, the first antibiotic, was discovered through the study of a contaminated mold. This mold belongs to a genus of fungi known as Penicillium, which is commonly found in soil and on plants. Before the age of penicillin, we were almost helpless when facing a bacterial infection. The discovery of penicillin revolutionized the way bacterial infections are treated and has saved countless lives. Despite their small size, these microorganisms have had a significant impact on modern medicine...
Molds are important microorganisms in industry and food production
Molds could be more beneficial than you think. Many species of molds have become very important industrial microorganisms in many different products. Molds have a variety of industrial applications, some of which are: 1. Food production:Molds are used in the production of certain foods such as cheese, soy sauce, salami, and fermented foods like tempeh and Miso. [In this image]Examples of food items produced by the aids of molds. 1. Pharmaceuticals:Many antibiotics and anti-cancer drugs are pr...
1. Mold is a type of fungus that grows in multicellular fiber-liked structures called hyphae and reproduces by spreading spores. 2. Fungi are eukaryotic cells but do not belong to animal or plant kingdoms. They have cell walls but do not carry out photosynthesis (so they are not plants). 3. Fungi are heterotrophic organisms that obtain food from ot...
Mold spores are found both indoors and outdoors. Mold will thrive in moisture, warmth, darkness, and needs an organic substrate. Mold is a perennial allergen with flares at any time there is rain and increasing warmth.
To illustrate how morphological characteristics such as the type and form of asexual reproductive spores and the appearance of the mycelium may be used in identification, we will look at three common non-pathogenic molds. The two most common types of asexual reproductive spores produced by molds are conidiospores and sporangiospores.
Molds possess a rigid polysaccharide cell wall composed mostly of chitin and, like all fungi, are eukaryotic. Molds reproduce primarily by means of asexual reproductive spores such as conidiospores, sporangiospores, and arthrospores. These spores are disseminated by air, water, animals, or objects.
Explain why the study of fungi such as yeast and molds is within the discipline of microbiology; Describe the unique characteristics of fungi; Describe examples of asexual and sexual reproduction of fungi; Compare the major groups of fungi in this chapter, and give examples of each
Mold spore size depends on the organism; e.g., Alternaria spores are more than 7 μm in diameter, while thermophillic actinomycetes are less than 1 μm . This point will become important below, when discussing models of stachybotryotoxicosis.
