Mould facts for kids
Mould (also spelled mold) is a type of fungus. It often grows as tiny threads called hyphae. These threads form a fuzzy patch that you might see on old food or damp surfaces. Unlike some fungi, like yeasts, moulds are usually made of many cells.
Moulds are a big group of fungi. When their hyphae grow, they can make things look discolored and fuzzy. This network of branching threads is called a mycelium. Each mycelium is like a single living thing.
Mould grows from tiny seeds called spores. These spores are so small that they float all around us in the air. When spores land on a damp surface with food, they can start to grow.
There are thousands of different kinds of mould. Some moulds can cause problems like making food go bad. They can also cause health issues for some people. But not all moulds are bad! Some are very useful.
Contents
What is Mould?
Mould is a type of fungus, just like mushrooms or yeasts. It doesn't have roots, stems, or leaves like plants. Instead, it gets its food from the things it grows on. Moulds are very common in nature. They play an important role in breaking down dead plants and animals.
How Mould Grows
Mould starts from tiny spores. These spores are like microscopic seeds. They are always floating in the air around us. When a mould spore lands on a surface that is damp and has food, it can start to grow.
Once a spore starts to grow, it sends out tiny threads called hyphae. These hyphae spread out and form a network. This network of threads is called a mycelium. The mycelium is what you see as the fuzzy patch of mould.
Mould needs a few things to grow well:
- Moisture: Mould loves damp places. It needs water to grow.
- Food: Mould can eat many things, like sugar, starch, and even wood.
- Warmth: Most moulds grow best in warm temperatures.
- Oxygen: Most moulds need air to grow.
Types of Mould
There are many different types of mould. They come in many colors, like black, green, white, or orange. Some common types include:
- Bread mould: This is often seen on old bread.
- Fruit mould: This grows on fruits and vegetables.
- Bathroom mould: This often grows in damp places like showers.
Uses of Mould
Even though some moulds can be harmful, many are very helpful to humans.
- Food: Some moulds are used to make certain foods. For example, specific moulds are used to make blue cheese. They give the cheese its unique flavor and appearance.
- Medicine: One of the most important uses of mould is in medicine. The famous antibiotic called Penicillin comes from a type of mould called Penicillium. Antibiotics are medicines that help fight off bad bacteria in our bodies.
- Recycling: In nature, moulds help to break down dead plants and animals. This process helps to recycle nutrients back into the soil.
Mould and Your Health
Most of the time, mould is harmless. But sometimes, mould can cause problems.
- Allergies: Some people are allergic to mould spores. They might sneeze, cough, or have itchy eyes when mould is around.
- Food spoilage: Mould can make food go bad. It's usually best not to eat food that has mould on it. Even if you cut off the mouldy part, the mould's threads might have spread deeper into the food.
- Indoor air quality: If mould grows a lot in a home, it can affect the air quality. It's important to keep homes dry and clean to prevent mould growth.
Related pages
Images for kids
-
Spores from green mold growing on an orange, seen up close
-
A mouldy house corner, seen from outside and inside
-
Mould stains on a gift card that was stored in a damp place
-
An artwork by Del Nero that uses mould
See also
In Spanish: Moho para niños
