What is the scientific name for mold? Main types of mold. Research paper “Mysterious mold”

It's hard to believe that people's blood is not the same, and for a long time science did not know this. They transfused blood from one person to another, completely unaware that it differed between groups. It turned out, however, that in about half of the cases, instead of the expected improvement, the patient became worse and often died.

So, research began, and as a result, the existence of different blood groups was discovered. This is what happens when a drop of one type of blood enters the blood or serum of another, foreign to it: blood cells begin to group. This phenomenon is known as "agglutination" or "clumping".

Agglutination is usually followed by destruction of blood cells - which is why determining your blood type is so important. Using agglutination tests, it was discovered that human blood can be divided into four groups: O, A, B, AB.

Type O blood cells do not adhere to the serum of any of the other groups. In other words, type O blood can be transfused to anyone. People with blood type O are considered “universal donors.” Group AB serum does not stick to other cells, so people with this blood type can accept any other.

Each person inherits a specific blood type, and it never changes. An interesting observation was made regarding blood groups: there is a certain pattern of their distribution throughout the world! If you travel from west to east, the percentage of people with blood type A decreases, while those with type B increases. In England, 43 percent of people belong to group A, in Russia - 30 percent, and in India - only 15. As for group B, the opposite is true. At the same time, there appears to be no connection between your blood type and whether you are healthy or sick.

Unfortunately, many have become familiar with mold. But not everyone knows that it can be different. Not only the colors differ, but also the structure, as well as the effect on the human body. What types of mold are there?

Mold: what is it, why does it appear?

Mold is fungi. Spores of these microorganisms are found almost everywhere: they hover in the air, settle on clothes, any surfaces, and also food. And if such spores find themselves in favorable conditions, they will begin to multiply and develop new territories. Mold can grow on almost any surface, including wood, concrete, brick and other building and finishing materials. Often fungi get into food and multiply there. Mold has two threads. One of them penetrates into the substance and begins to form mycelium (vegetative body), the other goes up and contains the resulting spores.

The types of mold are quite numerous, but the reasons for the appearance of fungi are the same:

• Lack of ventilation. If there is a lack of fresh air, the fungi will quickly take root and begin to multiply. That is why they most often live in poorly ventilated areas, such as bathrooms or cellars.
• High humidity. This condition is ideal for fungal growth. And if the humidity rises to 90-95%, then mold immediately begins to develop. In a humid room, condensation forms on surfaces, which provokes the formation of mold.
• Temperature changes. They lead to the formation of condensation.
• Poor sealing. In this case, moisture penetrates into the room (or into food packaging, for example).

What type of mold is there?

There are different types of mold. It may vary in color and structure. If you look at the pictures, you can see the most unusual images. And when examined under a microscope, you can see the interweaving of threads and spores. In the photo, fungi look like small specks or rather large clusters with a fluffy surface. Every type of fungus is amazing.

Black mold

Black mold is often what scares people the most because it is more visible on many surfaces. In the photo it looks like small black spots. Black mold is not one specific species, but a whole group, since various strains can acquire this color at different stages of development. Also, the shade may depend on the surface on which the fungus has settled.

So, black mold includes the following strains:

Thus, black mold can truly be considered the most common and one of the most dangerous.

Green mold

Green mold is a genus of fungi from the group of ascomycetes. It can also be considered very common. Its spores are most often found in soil or in a variety of organic materials, such as compost. In the photo, fungi look like a light green coating with an uneven surface. Green mold often affects vegetables and fruits, as well as other products (especially fermented milk). It develops quite quickly and almost immediately penetrates deep into the tissues, thereby infecting them completely. This is why eating spoiled fruit can lead to serious poisoning. Often, green mold settles on building materials (especially wood) and begins to gradually destroy them.

Green mold is quite whimsical, as it loves high humidity, as well as relative heat. The optimal temperature for reproduction is 20-25 degrees.

Pink mold is a member of the Trichocetia genus, which includes about 70 different species of fungi. In the photo it looks like a light pink matte or slightly fluffy coating. Most often, such fungi are harmless and safe for people, but you should still not eat them. This species in most cases affects plant debris, as well as products of decomposition or decay, for example, rotting plants, spoiled vegetables or fruits, improperly stored cereals and grains.

White mold is also common, but is generally less of a concern. Indeed, it is less dangerous. Most often, white mold affects the soil (including that in which indoor plants live), trees, various plants, as well as cheese and bread. Some species are used to make fine cheeses. In the photo, the fungi look like a white coating with many intertwined thin threads.

White mold is represented by the following strains:

Blue mold is a blue fungus that most often affects wood. Some species are used to make cheese. In the photo, such fungi look like a blue coating. Blue mold is not dangerous to people.

Gray mold

Gray mold is a saprophytic microfungus and is very dangerous for people. It looks like a gray coating. It is worth noting that gray mold can affect any surfaces and materials, as well as food.

How to fight?

To get rid of mold, you need to eliminate the causes of its appearance, that is, reduce humidity and ensure normal air circulation in the room. To remove plaque, use special products - antiseptics. It is important to remove all mold entirely, probably including some of the finishing or building materials. It is better to throw away spoiled food.

Now you are familiar with all types of mold.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nV5NplwPPww

Not everyone is eager to see mold formations as their neighbor. But how many people even know what they're dealing with?

What is mold?

Mold is a simple-structured “plant” from the fungal family. Despite its simplicity, it is more complex than bacteria or yeast. If you look at mold under a microscope, you can see that it does not consist of one cell, like bacteria, but of many. form long threads of fibers called hyphae.

Mold is a fungus, which means it reproduces through spores. A spore is a microorganism protected by a durable coating. The spores remain dormant until they reach an environment favorable for reproduction. Spores develop in three different ways, depending on the type of microscopic fungus:

• round areas within the hyphal network;
• a substance in a sac at the end of the hyphal antenna;
• a chain-like area at the end of the hyphal antenna.

We can say that if mold is a plant, then spores are its seeds.

One “plant” produces thousands of spores, which are carried away by air currents and, sitting in a warm place, multiply at the first convenient opportunity.

What type of mold is there?

The most obvious difference is the color of the mold growths. Let's consider the types of fungus, relying on it as the simplest sign.

Black

Green

Green mold (ascomycetes) grows primarily in organic materials, soil or compost. However, it also does not disdain food and can live in vegetables. In appearance, these molds resemble rich green moss with an uneven surface.

Pink

It does not spoil surfaces, like many other types, does not settle on the ceiling and walls, and does not even pose a particular danger to humans (but, of course, it is still not recommended to eat food with it).

Appears mainly on plant residues and rotten foods (spoiled vegetables, fruits, and in rare cases, cereals that were improperly stored).

White

Blue

Rarely appears in homes and does not pose a danger to humans. Mainly grows on trees and is used in the production of gourmet cheeses. Appearance: blue coating.

Gray

Gray (saprophytic) mushrooms look like simple plaque. Settles on almost any surface and covers a variety of materials. Sometimes it affects food (vegetables, fruits) and is transmitted through flower seeds.

It is dangerous to humans and difficult to remove.

Why does mold appear?

Let's consider three prerequisites for the appearance of fungus:

1. Presence of mold spores in the air. They can get into the house with air flow, through things, products, or animals;
2. Feeding organic medium: paper, wood, stone, concrete, dirt, peat, as well as soil in pots of indoor plants, etc.;
3. A climate suitable for growth and reproduction. Namely:
   • Temperature about +20°C, humidity – 70-90%;
   • Uneven heating in the room and poor performance of the ventilation system.

Mikhaleva Anastasia

Often in everyday life we ​​encounter a greenish coating on stale food products. What kind of coating is this, why do we consider moldy bread unfit for food and at the same time buy cheese in the store with the same coating and consider it edible? Interest in the topic arose when I discovered several small white spots on a tangerine forgotten after the New Year holidays. I asked my grandmother what is this? She told me that mold had started to grow. I was wondering, “What is mold? What benefit and what harm does it bring? There are many questions. In my work I will try to find the answer to them.

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state budgetary educational institution of the Samara region secondary school with. Novokurovka m.r. Khvorostyansky Samara region

District scientific and practical conference of junior schoolchildren

Section "Biology"

Mold: both harm and benefit

Class GBOU secondary school s. Novokurovka

Head: Shipilova Valentina Vladimirovna,

primary school teacher of the first category

GBOU secondary school s. Novokurovka

With. Novokurovka, 2014

I. Introduction. 2 – 3

II. Main part. 4 – 9

2. Theoretical part 4 – 7

2.1.Results of survey of classmates 4

2.1. What is mold 4 – 5

2.2. What is the significance of mold fungi for humans? 5 – 7

2.2.1. Dangerous mold. 5 – 6

2.2.2. Useful mold 6

2.3.Interesting facts 5 – 7

2.4.How to protect food from mold? 7

3.Practical part 7 – 9

3.1.Experiment No. 1. 7 – 9

3.2.Experiment No. 2 Observation. 9

III.Conclusion 10

References 11

Introduction

Relevance of the topic:Often in everyday life we ​​encounter a greenish coating on stale food products. What kind of coating is this, why do we consider moldy bread unfit for food and at the same time buy cheese in the store with the same coating and consider it edible?Interest in the topic arose when, on a tangerine forgotten after the New Year holidays, I discovereda few small white spots. I asked my grandmother what is this? She told me that mold had started to grow.Mold and fungi secretly accompany humanity throughout its history, and it appeared much earlier than man himself. Despite many scientific studies, mold remains one of the mysteries; it has not been fully studied and appears every time in a new way. I was wondering, “What is mold? What benefit and what harm does it bring? There are many questions. In my work I will try to find the answer to them.

Target: Study the structure of mold and its role in human life.

Tasks: 1. Find out what mold is.

2. What harm or benefit does it bring to people.

3. Monitoring the development of mold at home.

4. Study the structure of mold.

5. Tell your classmates about mold during class.

Hypothesis: I think that mold is a fungus that only brings harm to humans.

Research methods:

I read literature about mold, interviewed classmates, watched a movie about mold, grew it at home, and photographed it using a digital microscope.

Brief review of the literature used.

To write the work, I used an explanatory dictionary, encyclopedias from the series “I Explore the World”, “Avanta Plus”, “Everything about Everything”, the books “The World of Plants”, “The Place of Experiment Kitchen”, the magazine “Health”, as well as Internet sources.

Main part

Theoretical material

Results of a survey of 4th grade students.

I wanted to find out what my classmates know about mold, so I conducted a survey. I asked the guys three questions:

1.What is mold?

2. Is it beneficial or harmful?

3. Where is mold used?

The survey found that only 36% of students in my class had some knowledge about mold. 57% think, like me, that mold only brings harm. Nobody knows anything about the benefits of mold.

What is mold

“It appeared on Earth 200 million years ago. Since then, she has been killing and saving from death. It is called the bread of the devil and the spit of God. She is fabulously beautiful and disgusting. She is omnipresent and indestructible. She is capable of controlling huge masses of people and changing the course of history. If she declares war on us, we will have no chance to survive. And we can’t even imagine what secrets and hidden powers this cursed and blessed mold holds.” (Fragment from the documentary film “Mold”).

From the explanatory dictionary of S.I. Ozhegov: “Mold is deposits formed by special fungi that accumulate in the form of vague spots on something rotting or damp.” (3, 153)

Mold spreads through the air as microscopic spores.

The body of mold fungi is a mycelium - mycelium (from the Greek “mykes” - “mushroom”), consisting of thin colorless (sometimes slightly colored) threads - gif (from the Greek “hyphae” - “fabric”, “web”) with unlimited growth and lateral branching. Some hyphae grow vertically upward and form expansions at their ends in the form of balls in which disputes . When the spores are ripe, the sporangium ruptures and the spores become airborne. They are very small, invisible to the naked eye and are carried by air flow. Once in favorable conditions, the spore germinates and mycelium is formed. Other, shorter hyphae penetrate deep into the surface on which the mold is located. They serve mold in the same way that roots do for plants, since they not only help it gain a foothold in one place, but also absorb the nutrients necessary for its growth. The larger the surface of the mycelium, the more satisfying the life of the mushroom is. (1, 224)

Conclusion: Mold is a fungus that adapts to any living conditions, known since ancient times, it is omnivorous and omnipresent.

What is the significance of mold fungi for humans?

Dangerous mold.

How dangerous is mold to humans? This microscopic fungus not only spoils the appearance of surfaces affected by it, but also has more serious negative properties. It is the cause of many diseases, including not only allergic reactions, but also ailments such as osteoporosis, blood stagnation, tuberculosis, asthma and cancer. Mold spores reduce the immune functions of the human body, which leads to diseases. This fungus is not afraid of aggressive chemicals, low temperatures and even exposure to radiation. Mold can even destroy brick, concrete and stucco.

Mold is found everywhere, but most often we treat it with disdain, cutting off green spots of mold from the crust of bread or a piece of old cheese, removing a thin white film from jam, and calmly eating what is left, not even suspecting how dangerous it is. Even if only one half of the orange is affected by mold, it means that the whole fruit is affected. (7, 21)

Conclusion: Mold harms not only food and human health, but also durable materials such as concrete and metal, and everything that surrounds us.

Useful mold

Is there a beneficial mold? Yes. Mold is used in the production of cheese and can be on the surface of the cheese or form inside. Blue cheeses Roquefort, Gorganzola and Stilton are produced by the introduction of mold spores Penicillium roqueforti. Brie and Camembert cheeses have white surface mold. There are cheeses containing surface and internal mold. The mold used to make cheese is safe to eat. Gray rot on grapes helps create the best wines.(4, 190)

At the beginning of the twentieth century, British biologist Fleming and his colleagues discovered that mold can kill staphylococci, the cause of purulent lesions. For their enormous services to humanity, Fleming, Chain and Frey were awarded the Nobel Prize in 1945. (2, 347)

Conclusion : Noble mold is used in pharmacology. Medicines based on mold save people from various diseases. Mold is needed to prepare various foods.

Interesting Facts

1. In the early 20s of the last century, archaeologist Carter discovered an untouched tomb in the Egyptian Valley of the Kings. The “sponsor” of the excavations, Lord Carnarvon, and other participants in the opening of the sarcophagus soon died of a mysterious illness. Later it turned out that an ancient mold fungus lived in the tissues of the mummies, its deadly effect became a symbol of the “curse of Tutankhamun.”

2. In 1771, a plague epidemic began in Moscow, causing riots. Catherine's favorite Grigory Orlov arrived to pacify. He defeated panic with tough, active actions, created a hospital in his palace, and ordered the construction of new remote cemeteries. Orlov ordered, as has long been the custom in times of troubles and misfortunes, to ring the alarm bells. Soon the epidemic began to decline. Recently, scientists have found that bells have a frequency spectrum of sound that inhibits the growth of pathogenic microbes and improves human immunity.

3. A huge amount of mold was discovered under the sarcophagus of the 4th power unit of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. It grew, thickening in places of increased radiation.

4. Mold spores were attached to the skin of a spaceship flying in space. After a year and a half, it turned out that in the conditions of airless space, the “test subjects” survived and became even more aggressive and resilient. Perhaps the damage caused by mold to the equipment of the Mir orbital station was one of the reasons for its flooding.

How to protect food from mold

1. Cover prepared food with plastic wrap to protect it from airborne mold spores.

2. Place perishable food from open cans into clean containers and place them in the refrigerator immediately.

3. Do not leave perishable foods out of the refrigerator for more than two hours.

4. Store leftover food for no more than 3-4 days so that mold does not have time to grow.(5, 322)

Practical part

Experience No. 1.

I decided to grow mold and study its structure. I entered my observations into a table. I took two slices of white bread without crust and 2 containers. I moistened a napkin with water and put it in a container, putting a piece of bread on top. And in another container I placed a dry napkin, and on it a piece of bread. Then she tightly closed the lids on the containers and put them in a warm place.

I was able to grow real mold because mold seeds (mycelium), invisible to the naked eye, are present in the air and begin to develop and grow as soon as they find a favorable environment (the presence of nutrients and water). Therefore, as soon as you forget fresh fruit or open cans for several days in a warm, humid place, a whole colony of fungi begins to grow on it. My mold not only grew on a piece of bread, but also grew inside it.

Conclusion: In the presence of nutrients and moisture, mold appears - round-shaped fungi with many branches.

Experiment No. 2 Observation, study of the structure of mold.

I place a piece of mold that I grew myself in a microscope, on a glass slide.

I saw that the mold consists of thin threads, they are all intertwined, forming something like a web. The intertwined threads are called hyphae. At the ends of the hyphae I saw sporangia in which spores are formed. Using a digital microscope, I took photographs of the mold.

Conclusion

My hypothesis that mold is a fungus that only causes harm to humans was not confirmed.

While doing this work, I learned that there are different types of mold. Beneficial mold is used in the production of medicines that help people cope with diseases. In addition, mold is used in the production of cheese and wine.

On the other hand, mold is poison. A person who eats a stale product covered with mold can cause serious harm to the body. It is also unsafe to stay and live in homes whose walls or ceilings are covered with mold. It causes dizziness, headaches, and lung diseases.

After doing experiments, I realized that air humidity and heat are the main conditions for the development of mold fungi,I saw that the mold consists of thin threads, they are all intertwined, forming something like a web. The intertwined threads are called hyphae. At the ends of the hyphae I saw sporangia in which spores are formed.

I learned to find the necessary material from various sources, conduct experiments, and draw conclusions. During class, I introduced my classmates to the many faces of mold and its impact on human life.

The tasks set in the work were fully completed, as a result of which the main goal was achieved - studying the structure of mold and its role in human life.

Used Books

1. Edited by Aksenov M.D. Encyclopedia for children "Avanta Plus". Biology, volume 2, Moscow, “Avanta +”, 1998

2. Buyanov. N.Yu. I'm exploring the world. Encyclopedia for children. Medicine Moscow. LLC Publishing House AST LTD, 1997

3. Ozhegov S.I. and Shvedova N.Yu. “Explanatory Dictionary of the Russian Language” Moscow LLC “IMI Technology”, 2003 To use presentation previews, create a Google account and log in to it: https://accounts.google.com

Slide captions:

Section “Biology” Mold: both harm and benefit District scientific and practical conference of junior schoolchildren Author: Mikhaleva Anastasia, 4th grade student of the State Budgetary Educational Institution Secondary School with. Novokurovka Head: Shipilova Valentina Vladimirovna, primary school teacher of the first category, State Budgetary Educational Institution Secondary School. Novokurovka

Object of study: MOLD Purpose of the study: to study the structure of mold and its role in human life. Objectives: find out what mold is; what harm or benefit does it bring to people; monitoring mold growth at home; study the structure of mold; Tell your classmates about mold during class.

Interest in the topic arose when I discovered several small white spots on a tangerine forgotten after the New Year holidays. .

Mold (mold fungi) is a special kingdom of living nature. Mold spreads through the air as microscopic spores. When it hits a damp surface, it sprouts with the finest threads, adapts to any living conditions, has been known since ancient times, is omnivorous and omnipresent.

Dangerous mold. Mold harms not only food and human health, but also durable materials such as concrete and metal, and everything that surrounds us.

Beneficial mold Noble mold is used in pharmacology. Medicines based on mold save people from various diseases. Mold is needed to prepare various foods.

Interesting facts A huge amount of mold was discovered under the sarcophagus of the 4th power unit of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. It grew, thickening in places of increased radiation. Mold spores were attached to the skin of a spacecraft flying in space. After a year and a half, it turned out that in the conditions of airless space, the “test subjects” survived and became even more aggressive and resilient. Perhaps the damage caused by mold to the equipment of the Mir orbital station was one of the reasons for its flooding.

How to protect food from mold 1. Cover cooked food with plastic wrap to protect it from mold spores from the air. 2. Place perishable food from open cans into clean containers and place them in the refrigerator immediately. 3. Do not leave perishable foods out of the refrigerator for more than two hours. 4. Store leftover food for no more than 3-4 days so that mold does not have time to grow.

Practical part days 1 piece of bread 2 slices of bread 1 day 02/3/14. I moistened a napkin with water and put it in a container, put a piece of bread on top. Put it in a dry container. Day 2 02/04/14. The bread increased in size due to water. A piece of bread dried out on day 3, 02/5/14. Black dots appeared on the bread. A piece of bread became hard on day 4, 02/6/14. Rare mold hairs appeared from the black dots. The bread began to crumble on day 5, 02/7/14. There were more mold threads, they formed a light fluff. There were more crumbs, and the piece of bread became smaller. Day 6, 02/8/14. The mold fluff has increased, the piece of bread has turned slightly yellow. The cracker continues to crumble on day 7, 02/9/14. Mold in the form of a fluffy cloud with a grayish tint. The cracker crumbles on the 8th day 02/10/14. There is a beautiful fluffy cloud of gray mold on a yellow piece of bread. Small cracker, a lot of crumbs.

In the presence of nutrients and moisture, mold appears - round-shaped fungi with many branches.

Studying the structure of mold sporangia hyphae

Conclusion While doing this work, I learned that there are different types of mold. Beneficial mold is used in the production of medicines that help people cope with diseases. In addition, mold is used in the production of cheese and wine. On the other hand, mold is poison. A person who eats a stale product covered with mold can cause serious harm to the body. It is also unsafe to stay and live in homes whose walls or ceilings are covered with mold. It causes dizziness, headaches, and lung diseases.

Literature used 1. Edited by Aksenov M.D. Encyclopedia for children "Avanta plus". Biology, volume 2, Moscow, Avanta +, 1998 2. Buyanov. N.Yu. I'm exploring the world. Encyclopedia for children. Medicine Moscow. LLC Publishing House AST LTD, 1997 3. Ozhegov S.I. and Shvedova N.Yu. “Explanatory Dictionary of the Russian Language” Moscow LLC “IMI Technology”, 2003 4. Smirnov A.V. “The World of Plants” Moscow “Young Guard”, 1982 5. Trifonova M.M. “The place of experiment is the kitchen.” Saratov. “Children’s book”, 1991 6. Edited by Shalaev G.P. “Everything about everything. Popular encyclopedia for children,” volume 10. Moscow AST, 1999. 7. Magazine “Health” No. 2 / February 2011 – Mold: a dangerous neighbor 8. Documentary film “Mold” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lgAzVOEnUM 9. ru.wikipedia.org 10. http:/ /yourangel.ucoz.ru/publ/chem_opasna_plesen/1-1-0-4 11. http://www.sibparus.ru/hwl/zdorovie/plesen.htm