Information about Mold

mold fungus information about

A mold/mould is actually a fungus. Contrary to popular opinion, the term ‘mold’ is actually used to refer to a large number of fungal species. However, because they are considered to be microbes, molds do not form a specific taxonomic or phylogenetic group. Species can be found instead in divisions such as Zygomycota, Ascomycota, or Deuteromycota. Note that you might also find some types of mold referred to as mildew.

mold fungus information about

Description of mold

Mold grows in the form of hyphae: filamentous structures formed of multiple cells with networks that they subsequently form, which are called a mycelium, and is considered to be a single organism. Although molds can grow on all dead organic matter, they only become visible when these types of interconnected networks are formed. The hyphae are usually transparent, so the mycelium will come to resemble very fine, fluffy white threads. This results in discoloration and an overall fuzzy appearance, which is especially obvious on food. Furthermore, differentiation at the end of the hyphae forms asexual spores (conidia), which give the mold a dusty appearance; depending on the species, many of these spores will be coloured, which will cause the mold to be even more obvious to the human eye.

Development of mold

Mold can usually be found in damp and steamy areas, such as bathrooms, kitchens, basements, cluttered storage areas, plumbing spaces, etc. Dark areas with poor ventilation, recently flooded areas, as well as humid outdoor environments should also be checked. Mold is most commonly found on walls and floors, on materials such as drywall, wood, tiles, etc., but it can also be found in carpets, clothes, and even books.

Depending on the species, molds have diverse lifestyles, some of which include:

  • saprotrophs, which refers to the process of extracellular digestion through which they are formed;
  • mesophiles, which thrive in moderate temperatures, typically between 20 — 45 degrees Celsius;
  • psychrophiles, which thrive in cold temperatures, typically between —20 — 10 degrees Celsius;
  • thermophiles, which thrives in high temperatures, typically between 41 — 122 degrees Celsius;
  • opportunistic pathogens of humans, which means they take advantage of a host with a weakened immune system; they are generally unable to cause an infection in a healthy person.

All of these require moisture to grow, with some even living in aquatic environments.

Being fungi, molds derive energy not through photosynthesis, but through heterotrophy, using organic carbon from the organic matter onto which they live. Molds typically secrete hydrolytic enzymes from the hyphal tips; these, in turn, degrade complex biopolymeters (starch, cellulose, lignin) into simpler substances, which can then be absorbed by the hyphae. This is how they facilitate the decomposition of organic material. Furthermore, many molds synthesize mycotoxins and siderophores, which inhibit the growth of competing microorganisms.

Reproduction of molds

Molds reproduce by producing large numbers of small spores. These may contain one or more nuclei, and can be asexual or sexual. Most species can generally produce all these kinds of spores. The spores may then be hydrophobic (adapted to be dispersed by the wind), or they may have sheaths (adapted to be dispersed through water). Spores can also attach themselves to clothes or to animal fur. Some of them, though not all, are able to survive extremes in terms of temperature and pressure. If conditions do not allow growth to take place, molds can remain alive, in a dormant state.

Molds in their relationship with humans

In some areas of the globe, molds have been cultivated for centuries, helping create food such as soybean paste, soy sauce and different types of cheeses. Some sausages and salami also incorporate starter clusters of mold as an aim to reduce bacterial spoilage during curing. Molds also play important roles in biotechnology, since the production of antibiotics (e.g. penicillin using Penicillium notatum) and other pharmaceuticals would be impossible without them.

However, molds are unwelcome inside homes mainly because they cause biodegradation of natural materials, which is a real problem when it comes to both food and property. They produce unpleasant odours and, what’s more, they cause diseases that affect both animals and humans. These can result from allergic sensitivity to mold spores, from growth of pathogenic molds within the body, or from the ingestion or inhalation of toxic compounds produced by molds. Although the exact effects have not yet been determined, the danger is serious, with some studies showing that exposure to high levels of mycotoxins can lead to neurological problems and, in some cases, even death.

Allergic reactions to mold are the most common health effects and risks of mold presence. The allergy symptoms and signs of mold infestation are:

  • wheezing;
  • rashes;
  • watery eyes;
  • runny nose;
  • itchy eyes;
  • coughing;
  • redness of the eyes.

As mentioned above, in a home, mold can usually be found in damp, dark areas, such as the bathroom or kitchen, in cluttered storage areas, in basements, near the pluming and in areas with poor ventilation. In order to eliminate mold from these places and to know how to get rid of mold infestation, check our relevant article where you will find details about ways in which to eliminate these fungi from your property. If you just want to prevent infestation with mold, we also have an article which details methods of prevention, which you can use in order to make sure you keep spores and mold from developing in your bathroom, kitchen or the rest of the house.

Got a question?

    1. Hello. To identify the type of mold, you may consider a laboratory analysis.

      Nexles -
      Answer

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