Aspergillus facts for kids

Ascus of Hypocrea virens with eight two-celled ascospores

A model of Aspergillus, a type of mould

Aspergillus is a large group of fungi. Fungi are living things like mushrooms or yeasts. There are hundreds of different types, or species, of Aspergillus. Some of these are very important in medicine, science, and industry.

Aspergillus usually grows as a mould. You might see it on plants or even on old food. These fungi make tiny parts called spores. These spores help the fungi spread. About one-third of Aspergillus types can also reproduce in a way similar to how plants make seeds.

Aspergillus species need lots of oxygen to grow. That is why you can find them almost anywhere there is air. They often grow on starchy foods like bread or potatoes. They also grow on many different plants and trees.

Why Is Aspergillus Important?

Some types of Aspergillus are important for people and businesses. Other types can cause infections in humans and animals. More than 60 Aspergillus species can cause health problems.

For people, these fungi can cause different kinds of sickness. This might include infections in the outer ear or skin problems. Sometimes, they can cause more serious issues.

Related pages

• Koji
• Aspergillus flavus

Images for kids

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  Aspergillus growing on a tomato

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  Different types of Penicillium, Aspergillus, and other fungi growing in a lab

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  Four three-day-old Aspergillus colonies. From top-left: a lab strain of A. nidulans; a similar strain with a color change; an A. oryzae strain used for soy fermentation; A. oryzae RIB40

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  A close-up scan of Aspergillus taken with a special microscope

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  An image showing a lung infection caused by Aspergillus

See also

In Spanish: Aspergillus para niños