Mold 51469 225780766 2008-07-15T10:56:35Z Iridescent 937705 Cleanup/[[WP:AWB/T|typo fixing]], typos fixed: airbourne → airborne using [[Project:AutoWikiBrowser|AWB]] {{otheruses1|the fungi known as molds. [[Slime mold]]s and [[water mold]]s are not fungi and are discussed in separate articles}} <!-- WAIT!! BEFORE EDITING THIS ENTIRE PAGE TO READ "MOULD" INSTEAD OF "MOLD", PLEASE READ [[Wikipedia:Manual_of_Style#National_varieties_of_English]] --> [[Image:Moldy Bread.jpg|thumb|[[Black bread mold|Bread mold]] is one of the most common types of mold, and can cover a loaf of bread in less than three days.]] '''Molds''' (or '''moulds''', see [[American and British English spelling differences|spelling differences]]) include all species of microscopic [[fungi]] that grow in the form of [[multicellular]] filaments, called [[hyphae]].<ref name=Brock>{{cite book | author = Madigan M; Martinko J (editors). | title = Brock Biology of Microorganisms | edition = 11th ed. | publisher = Prentice Hall | year = 2005 | id = ISBN 0131443291 }}</ref> In contrast, microscopic fungi that grow as single cells are called [[yeast]]s. A connected network of these tubular branching hyphae has multiple, genetically identical [[Cell nucleus|nuclei]] and is considered a single organism, referred to as a [[colony (biology)|colony]] or in more technical terms a [[mycelium]]. Molds do not form a specific [[taxonomy|taxonomic]] or [[phylogeny|phylogenetic]] grouping, but can be found in the divisions ''[[Zygomycota]]'', ''[[Deuteromycota]]'' and ''[[Ascomycota]]''. Although some molds cause disease or [[decomposition|food spoilage]], others are useful for their role in [[biodegradation]] or in the production of various foods, beverages, [[antibiotic]]s and [[enzyme]]s. == Biology == [[Image:DecayingPeachSmall.gif|frame|right|Mold covering a decaying [[peach]] over a period of six days. The frames were taken approximately 12 hours apart. There are 11 frames of changes.]] [[Image:Moldy nectarines.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Moldy [[nectarine]]s that were in a refrigerator. The nectarine with black mold is also affecting the nectarine underneath.]] There are thousands of known species of molds, which include [[opportunistic pathogen]]s, [[saprotroph]]s, aquatic species and [[thermophile]]s.<ref name=Sherris>{{cite book | author = Ryan KJ; Ray CG (editors) | title = Sherris Medical Microbiology | pages= pp. 633&ndash;8 | edition = 4th ed. | publisher = McGraw Hill | year = 2004 | id = ISBN 0838585299 }}</ref> Like all fungi, molds derive energy not through [[photosynthesis]] but from the [[Organic material|organic]] matter on which they live. Typically, molds secrete hydrolytic [[enzymes]], mainly from the hyphal tips. These enzymes degrade complex [[biopolymers]] such as [[starch]], [[cellulose]] and [[lignin]] into simpler substances which can be absorbed by the hyphae. In this way, molds play a major role in causing [[decomposition]] of organic material, enabling the recycling of nutrients throughout [[ecosystem]]s. Many molds also secrete [[mycotoxin]]s which, together with hydrolytic enzymes, inhibit the growth of competing [[microorganism]]s. Molds reproduce through small [[spores]],<ref name=Sherris /> which may contain a single [[cell nucleus|nucleus]] or be multinucleate. Mold spores can be asexual (the products of [[mitosis]]) or sexual (the products of [[meiosis]]); many species can produce both types. Some can remain airborne indefinitely, and many are able to survive extremes of temperature and pressure. Although molds grow on dead organic matter everywhere in nature, their presence is only visible to the unaided eye when mold [[Colony (biology)|colonies]] grow. A mold colony does not comprise discrete organisms, but an interconnected network of hyphae called a [[mycelium]]. Nutrients and in some cases organelles may be transported throughout the mycelium. In artificial environments like buildings, humidity and temperature are often stable enough to foster the growth of mold colonies, commonly seen as a downy or furry coating growing on food or other surfaces. Some molds can begin growing at temperatures as low as 2°C. When conditions do not enable growth, molds may remain alive in a dormant state, within a large range of temperatures before they die. The many different mold species vary enormously in their tolerance to temperature and humidity extremes. Certain molds can survive harsh conditions such as the snow-covered soils of Antarctica, refrigeration, highly acidic solvents, and even petroleum products such as jet fuel. [[Xerophile|Xerophilic]] molds use the humidity in the air as their only water source; other molds need more moisture. ==Common molds== <div style="-moz-column-count:3; column-count:3;"> *[[Acremonium]] *[[Aspergillus]] *[[Cladosporium]] *[[Fusarium]] *[[Mucor]] *[[Penicillium]] *[[Rhizopus]] *[[Stachybotrys]] *[[Trichoderma]] </div> == Uses == [[Image:Blue Stilton Quarter Front.jpg|200px|thumb|right|[[Stilton cheese]] contains edible mold.]] ===Food production=== Cultured molds are used in the production of foods, including: * [[Cheese#Moldy cheeses|cheese]] (''[[Penicillium]]'' spp.) * [[tempeh]] (''[[Rhizopus oligosporus]]'') * [[Quorn]] (''[[Fusarium venenatum]]'') * certain black teas [[pu-erh]] * [[sausage]]s<ref> {{cite journal|title=Mould starter cultures for dry sausages—selection, application and effects|journal=Meat Science |date=2003-11|first=L. O. Sunesen|last=L. H. Stahnke|volume=65|issue=3|pages=935–948|doi= 10.1016/S0309-1740(02)00281-4|url=http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6T9G-48V817P-1&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=d49cf5f0622cb4266ceba3c7f36fa924|format=|accessdate=2008-06-06 }}</ref> * [[soy sauce]] The ''koji'' molds are a group of ''[[Aspergillus]]'' species, notably ''[[Aspergillus oryzae]]'', that have been cultured in eastern Asia for many centuries. They are used to ferment a soybean and wheat mixture to make [[miso|soybean paste]] and [[shoyu|soy sauce]]. They are also used to break down the [[starch]] in rice (saccharification) in the production of ''[[sake]]'' and other distilled spirits. ===Drug creation=== [[Alexander Fleming]]'s famous discovery of the antibiotic [[penicillin]] involved the mold ''[[Penicillium chrysogenum]]''. Several cholesterol-lowering drugs (such as [[Lovastatin]], from ''Aspergillus terreus'') are derived from molds. The immunosuppressant drug [[cyclosporine]], used to suppress the rejection of transplanted organs, is derived from the mold ''[[Tolypocladium inflatum]]''. ===Other Uses=== Other molds are cultivated for their ability to produce useful substances. ''[[Aspergillus niger]]'' is used in the production of [[citric acid]], [[gluconic acid]] and many other compounds and enzymes. The mold ''[[Aspergillus nidulans]]'' is an important [[model organism]]. == Health effects == {{main|Mold health issues}} Molds cause three types of illness: * Allergenic / irritant effects * Immuno-toxic * Infection Exposure to bacteria and fungus in indoor air has emerged as a significant health problem in residential environments as well as in occupational settings {{Fact|date=April 2008}}. Mold [[spores]] can be [[allergenic]], causing irritations of eye, nose, throat, and lungs. In response to this, environmental health research has yielded tests such as the [[MELISA]] test, which can determine whether or not a person is allergic to a specific mold. Molds may excrete liquids or gases, not all of which can be detected by smell. Some molds generate toxic liquid or gaseous compounds, called [[mycotoxin]]s. Molds that produce mycotoxins are sometimes referred to as [[toxic mold]]s. It is thought that all molds may produce mycotoxins and thus all molds may be potentially toxic. Mycotoxins are not produced all the time, but only under specific growing conditions. Mycotoxins are harmful or lethal to humans and animals when exposure is high enough. Some of the most deadly chemicals on the planet are mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are then carried on the mold spore, mold fragments, and are found on the substrate of the surface they grow on. They can cause human illness through ingestion, but also through dermal exposure and inhalation of mycotoxin-contaminated debris or spores. [[Dermatophyte]]s are the parasitic fungi that cause skin infections such as [[Athlete's foot]] and [[Jock Itch]]. Most dermataphyte fungi take the form of a mold, as opposed to a yeast, with appearance (when cultured) that is similar to other molds. [[Opportunistic infection]] by molds such as ''[[Penicillium marneffei]]'' and ''[[Aspergillus fumigatus]]'' is a common cause of illness and death among immunocompromised people, including people with [[AIDS]]. == Growth in buildings and homes == {{main |Mold growth, assessment, and remediation|Indoor air quality}} Mold growth in buildings can lead to a variety of health issues. Various practices can be followed to mitigate mold issues in buildings, the most important of which is to reduce moisture levels that can facilitate mold growth. Removal of affected materials after the source of moisture has been reduced and/or eliminated may be necessary for remediation. == See also == {{Commons|Mold}} * [[Mildew]] * [[Mold mite]] * [[Oomycete]] * [[Bioaerosol]] * [[Mycorrhiza]] == References == {{reflist|2}} == External links == *[http://www.epa.gov/mold Environmental Protection Agency - Mold Homepage] *[http://www.cdc.gov/mold/ Centers for disease control - Mold Homepage] [[Category:Fungi]] [[bg:Плесен]] [[ca:Floridura]] [[cs:Plíseň]] [[cy:Llwydni]] [[da:Skimmelsvamp]] [[de:Schimmelpilz]] [[es:Moho]] [[fa:کپک]] [[fr:Moisissure]] [[ko:곰팡이]] [[io:Moldo]] [[id:Kapang]] [[is:Mygla]] [[it:Muffa]] [[he:עובש]] [[lt:Pelėjūnas]] [[nl:Schimmels]] [[ja:カビ]] [[no:Muggsopp]] [[pl:Pleśń]] [[pt:Bolor]] [[ro:Mucegai]] [[qu:Qurwara]] [[ru:Плесневые грибы]] [[simple:Mould]] [[sl:Plesen]] [[fi:Home]] [[sv:Mögel]] [[tl:Amag]] [[tg:Мағор]] [[uk:Пліснява]] [[zh:黴菌]]