Mold fungi are the first inhabitants of the Earth that settled on it as much as 200 million years ago! Surprisingly, they are able both to save a person from death, and to take his life. Mold fungi are widespread in nature; they develop almost everywhere. Settling in large colonies, they grow on nutrient media where temperature and humidity are high, and mold growth is not limited if food is available.
Mushrooms (they are called micromycetes) are unpretentious to food and habitat. Penicillum mushrooms, for example, produce an effective antibiotic that each of you most likely knows, it is called penicillin. This drug is antibacterial in nature, however, it is not recommended to take it without a doctor's prescription, since it can only worsen the condition.
Let us together find out which molds are considered the most famous, and what makes them so. The article is for informational purposes only and 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 homes - high humidity is a favorable environment for them.
What is the danger of Ulocladium? If there are plants in the house, then mold 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, cestitis, urethritis and, worst of all, cancers in the liver, kidneys or bladder.
9. Phoma
It belongs to the fourth group of pathogenicity. Phoma has a black color, spores are colorless. As a rule, at home, mold does not appear, but there are exceptions. Its target is berries, it hits them during the ripening period.
Phoma belongs to pyrenomycetes, has about 200 species. In a simple way, this type of mushroom is called black rot.
Mold fungus damages various industrial materials, wood. If the humidity is increased in the room, it can cause the destruction of the paintwork.
8. Botrytis
Mushrooms related 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 Botrytis species is Gray. These fungi do not have chlorophyll, therefore, there is no function of using solar energy for the synthesis of organic compounds, which is present in plants. It turns out that the mushrooms have no choice but to borrow organics 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 produce more candied raw materials.
7. Alternaria
Another fungus belonging to the fourth group of pathogenicity. This species is widespread. Often vegetable crops are affected 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, and as a result, immunity decreases.
This type of fungus is considered the most dangerous for humans - being in the air, an allergen provokes the appearance of asthma. The neglected cases lead to the development of bronchial asthma, the consequences of this, as you might guess, are rather unfavorable.
6. Oidium lactis
Oidium lactis mainly appears on dairy products: margarine, butter, etc. It is a multicellular, low-branched thread. It develops not only on the surface of the product, but also in depth, in the case of minimal air ingress.
In dairies, mold appears when 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 mold is very resistant to disinfectants.
5. Penicillum
Mushrooms Penicillum 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. Mold fungi of this species produce ochratoxin A.
Of the entire group of toxic substances, it can be said that Penicillum is the most dangerous. Often this type of toxin is contaminated by foods, and moldy foods are a favorable environment for Penicillum. Such products as coffee, grapes, dried fruits fall under attack.
Interesting fact: Penicillum roqueforti strain is used to produce Roquefort cheese, thanks to the Penicillas, it has an original taste and exquisite bluish mold.
4. Aspergillus
Aspergillus - the genus of higher molds, belonging to different groups of pathogenicity, depending on the type: 3, 4. The variety of this mold is harmful to humans. Caused by mold aspergillosis, affects the lungs, both in humans and in representatives of the animal world. Most often, the form of mold is found in bathrooms, the products of its vital activity are toxins that do not affect the body in the best way and cause colds and oncology.
Mycelium appears from slots in slabs even after the tile has been thoroughly washed. Many types of this fungus are not affected even by subzero temperatures and boiling water.
The only thing that can help eliminate Aspergillus is proven folk remedies. A solution prepared from powder and soda will gradually nullify the mold, and regular ventilation will also help.
3. Cladosporium
In the initial stages of development Cladosporium has no color, and later can take 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 can be found outdoors, especially in warm weather. Also, very often, mold manifested on the walls and in an unwashed refrigerator belongs to the species Cladosporium.
Mold on the walls does not carry 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 mold.
2. Rhizopus
Representatives of the species Rhizopus belong to the lower fungi - ficomycetes. Widely distributed in air, soil, food, fruits and rotting plants.
Rhizopus is a parasite mold. It affects not only the surface of the fetus, 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.
Mold fungi enters the body through the respiratory tract and often causes allergic reactions, up to bronchial asthma.
1. Mucor
Mucor includes over 50 species. It is also called white mold, because its mycelium is a weave of hyphae of a light color, resembling a fluffy plaque. 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 moist and warm place, then a fluffy coating will appear on it, which will soon darken).