2018 Science T01W03 Flashcards
What is fungus?
An organism that feeds on dead plant or animal matter.
Is mould a fungus?
Yes!
Mould is also a ‘fungus’. It produces superficial growth on various kinds of damp or decaying organic matter.
What is mould?
Mould is a fungus that grows on various surfaces.
Mould reproduces by generating spores and releasing them into the air and soil. These spores will however, only grow into mould when they land somewhere with the right conditions for growth.
Spores use whatever they land on as food.
Why is mould important?
Mould is very important and helps to decompose and recycle dead plant and animal matter.
It is part of a healthy ecosystem.
What is one of the most well-known members of the fungi family?
Mushrooms.
Can fungi get energy from the sun?
No.
Fungi is defined as a plant without chlorophyll, which means it cannot get energy directly from the sun as other plants can. This means that fungi must use other plants and animals as its food source.
How does fungi get it’s energy?
Fungi must use other plants and animals as its food source, as it can’t get energy from the sun.
Why is it common to get mould on bread?
Mould on bread is common because bread provides a very desirable source of nutrients for mold. It’s often kept in a warm area of your home – a cupboard or breadbox rather than the refrigerator. It’s moist. And mould likes the ingredients in bread.
Can you draw a diagram of mould?
List some places where mould would grow.
Damp Books
Wallpaper
Dead Trees
Damp Sheds
Bathrooms
Playdough
Greases
Vegetables in a Fridge
Sweaty Shoes
What does mould need to grow?
* Food.
- Right temperature is suitable (not too hot/cold).
- Enough moisture.
* Damp places with plenty of food and away from sunlight
How does mould grow?
Mould grows best away from direct sunlight in dark, moist, warm conditions where there is plenty of plant or animal matter for them to use as food.
Mould dies in direct sunlight, dry environments or very cold/hot conditions.
Is all mould harmful?
No!
Some moulds are used in making food (for example cheese) and antibiotics
Remember the stilton cheese video we watched and how it was made.
Name a type of fungus that is a micro-organism
Mould; Yeast.
Where does mould grow?
Damp or decaying organic matter away from direct sunlight.
How does mould reproduce?
Releasing spores into the air.
Do Fungi have chlorophyll?
No.
Where can you find mould spores?
There are millions of mould spores in the air around you.
What are the parts of mould?
Sporangium, Stolon, Spores, Rhizoid, Mycellium and Sporangiophore.
What is another name for a Rhizoid or root threads?
Mycelia.
If your hair is 125 microns wide how big are mould spores?
Between 3 and 40 microns long.
Will refrigeration prevent mould?
No, eventually mould will grow.
What foods use fungus?
Bread, cheese, beer and soy sauce.
How does mould consume food?
Mould digests its food first then eats it.
Enzymes released by the mycelia break down organic matter.
Why can you get sick from eating mould?
Micotoxins produced around the mycelium.
Name a dangerous micotoxin produced by mould?
Aflatoxin.
The moulds that produce micotoxins are mostly found in?
Grains and nuts.
Aflatoxin has been known to cause?
Cancer and peanut allergies.
Other toxins from moulds may cause?
Rashes and allergic reactions.
Do all moulds produce micotoxins?
No, most notably the mould used in cheese making.
What does the mould used in cheeses do?
Breaks down complex organic molecules and smooths the cheese.
When was Stilton first made?
Early 1700.
What type of mould do they add to the milk to make Stilton cheese?
Penicillium Roqueforti.
How long does it take Stilton cheese to mature?
Between 12 and 14 weeks.
Once the rennet had been added the milk separates into?
Curds and whey.
