Identification

• Mold is a type of fungi that is made of identical microscopic cells. These cells compose stings and branches called hyphae. Unlike other organisms, molds really are composed of only one cell, and these cells take energy from dead organisms. When hyphae emerge together, they create mold colonies, which are then visible to the naked eye. These colonies range in colors that incorporate mainly whites, blacks, greens and yellows.
  
  

Features

• Mold is a very hearty organism, being able to withstand extreme cold and hot temperatures and most climates in the world. They do, however, tend to grow more in humid or moist climates. Many molds even have such a unique makeup that they can survive in poisonous petroleum oil, acidic compounds, and even frozen Antarctic conditions. In order to break down organic materials, mold is able to create chemicals and excrete them.
  
  

Function

• Mold starts to grow on organic matter at the beginning stages of decomposition. It aids in decomposition be creating enzymes that breakdown various proteins and starches in organic material, creating a nutrient source that can be absorbed by the mold. The mold will then reproduce through spores and the colony will grow. In order to get rid of competition, mold secretes mycotoxins, which keeps other microorganisms from growing.
  
  

Significance

• Mold is significant because it recycles nutrients from decaying organisms and uses them again in its own growth and the health of the creatures that feed off it. Humans have use mold in a number of different ways as well. It is responsible for the creation of certain foods, such as cheese, soy sauce, and sausages. Certain drugs, name penicillin, have also been created from molds. Other molds give secrete certain things that humans harness, such as citric acid and riboflavin.
  
  

Warning

• While some molds have some major benefits, others are equally dangerous. These are called toxic molds, and they secrete mycotoxins that are strong enough to be a serious health hazard to humans. When these mycotoxins are present in large colonies of mold, they can cause brain damage in people who are exposed for prolonged periods of time. Paralysis can also occur, and if left untreated, these molds can be deadly.