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Molds are the first inhabitants of the Earth, settled on it as much as 200 million years ago! Surprisingly, they are able to both save a person from death and take his life. Mold fungi are widespread in nature, they develop almost everywhere. Settling in large colonies, they grow on nutrient media where the temperature and humidity are high, and mold growth is not limited, provided food is available.
Mushrooms (they are called micromycetes) are unpretentious to food and habitat. Mushrooms of the genus Penicillum, for example, produce an effective antibiotic, which, most likely, each of you knows, it is called penicillin. This drug is antibacterial in nature, but it is not recommended to take it without a doctor’s prescription, as it can only worsen the condition.
Let’s find out together which molds are considered the most famous, and what makes them so. The article is informational in nature, it will be useful for those who like to learn something new. Do you think one of the most famous molds is Mucor, Rhizopus or Cladosporium?
10 Ulocladium
Ulocladium belongs to the fourth group of pathogenicity, affects products and materials. Some representatives of the genus can invade houses – high humidity is a favorable environment for them.
Why is Ulocladium dangerous? If there are plants in the house, then the mold fungus will provoke diseases in them. It is not easy for people with an immune-suppressed system, because the fungus causes serious infections, such unpleasant consequences as: vaginosis, thrush, cystitis, urethritis and, worst of all, cancers in the liver, kidneys or bladder.
9. Phoma
Belongs to the fourth group of pathogenicity. Phoma It is black in color and the spores are colorless. As a rule, mold does not appear at home, but there are exceptions. His target is berries, he hits them during the ripening period.
Phoma belongs to the pyrenomycetes, has about 200 species. In a simple way, this type of fungus is called black rot.
The fungus damages various industrial materials, wood. If the humidity is high in the room, it can cause damage to the paintwork.
8. Botrytis
Mushrooms belonging to the genus Botrytis, affect healthy plants, causing gray rot of their various parts. Plants are significantly weakened, which reduces the quality of the crop.
The most harmful species of Botrytis is Gray. These fungi do not have chlorophyll, therefore, they do not have the function of using solar energy for the synthesis of organic compounds, which is present in plants. It turns out that mushrooms have no choice but to borrow organic matter from the environment.
In the vast majority of cases, the fungus is considered as a dangerous phytopathogen, but noble mold, for example, is used in winemaking to obtain more candied raw materials.
7. Alternaria
Another fungus belonging to the fourth group of pathogenicity. This species is widespread. Often, vegetable crops suffer because of it, for example, such as: potatoes, tomatoes, etc. Sometimes Alternaria It also grows on the skin of humans and animals, which causes various subcutaneous infections, as a result, immunity decreases.
This type of fungus is considered the most dangerous for humans – being in the air, the allergen provokes asthma. Running cases lead to the development of bronchial asthma, the consequences of this, as you might guess, are quite unfavorable.
6. Oidium of milk
Oidium of milk mainly appears on dairy products: margarine, butter, etc. It is a multicellular, slightly branched thread. It develops not only on the surface of the product, but also in depth, in case of minimal air ingress.
In dairy plants, mold appears with poor care, violation of sanitary standards. To destroy it, boiling water is required – all equipment must be washed with hot water, and then steamed. It is worth noting that the fungus is very resistant to disinfectants.
5. A brush
mushrooms A brush play a large role in the world around us and the production of pharmaceuticals. But some strains belonging to the third and fourth groups of pathogenicity pose a serious danger to humans. Molds of this species produce ochratoxin A.
Of the entire group of toxic substances, it can be said that Penicillum is the most dangerous. Food products are often contaminated with this type of toxin, and moldy foods are a favorable environment for the appearance of Penicillum. Products such as: coffee, grapes, dried fruits fall under the blow.
Interesting fact: The Penicillum roqueforti strain is used for the production of Roquefort cheese, thanks to Penicillium, it has an original taste and an exquisite bluish mold.
4. Aspergillus
Aspergillus – a genus of higher mold fungi belonging to different groups of pathogenicity, depending on the type: 3, 4. A variety of this mold is harmful to humans. Aspergillosis, caused by mold, affects the lungs of both humans and animals. Most often, the type of mold is found in bathrooms, its waste products are toxins that do not affect the body in the best way and cause colds and oncology.
Mycelium appears from the cracks of the tiles even after the tiles have been thoroughly washed. Many types of this fungus are not affected even by sub-zero temperatures and boiling water.
The only thing that can help eliminate Aspergillus is proven folk methods. A solution prepared from powder and soda will gradually eliminate mold, and regular airing will also help.
3. Cladosporium
In the early stages of development Cladosporium has no color, and later can take on a variety of colors. It is especially dangerous for seeds and plants. It has the ability to develop rapidly even at low temperatures and low humidity.
Often found outdoors, especially in warm weather. Also very often the mold that appears on the walls and in the unwashed refrigerator belongs to the Cladosporium species.
Mold on the walls does not pose such a danger as that found in the air. If a person began to notice that he had signs of an allergy, a runny nose, a stuffy nose, then this is most likely a manifestation of an allergy to a mold fungus.
2. Rhizopus
Representatives of the species Rhizopus belong to the lower fungi – phycomycetes. Widespread in air, soil, food, fruits and decaying plants.
Rhizopus is a parasitic mold. It affects not only the surface of the fruit, but also its insides (when the flesh turns brown, the fermentation process starts). For eggplant, it is regarded as a less harmful type of mold.
The fungus enters the body through the respiratory tract and often causes allergic reactions, up to bronchial asthma.
1. Mucor
Mucor includes more than 50 types. It is also called white mold, because its mycelium is an interweaving of light-colored hyphae, resembling a fluffy coating. Over time, the mold becomes black.
It has an adverse effect on the human body, and can cause various diseases. It can be seen on food products, for example, on bread (if the bread lies for several days in a humid and warm place, a fluffy coating will appear on it, which will soon darken).