Fungi - Moulds - Introduction and Conditions for growth Flashcards
What are moulds?
Multicellular fungi
What is the basic unit of a mould?
A spore
Are moulds saprophytic or parasitic?
They are saprophytic
Give some examples of foods that moulds feed on.
4
Bread
Jam
Cheese
Fruit
What do moulds do to foods which they feed on?
They cause the spoilage of food
Are moulds aerobic or anaerobic?
They are aerobic
How do moulds ensure they get oxygen when feeding on foods?
2
They grow on the surface of solid foods
They grow throughout open structure foods
Are moulds mesophilic, psychrophilic or thermophilic?
They are mesophilic
At what temperature do moulds grow best?
20-45 degrees Celsius
What happens to a mould below 15 degrees Celsius?
Their growth slows down
What happens to a mould at freezing temperatures?
The mould is inactivated
What happens to a mould above 75 degrees Celsius?
The mould are destroyed
Do moulds require moisture to grow?
Yes
What aw level do moulds prefer?
Above 0.8
Moulds go best in an environment with what pH value?
2
In slightly acidic environments (4-6)
Extreme acidic or slightly alkaline conditions inhibit growth
