Spores of moulds

The idea

Moulds reproduce by spores formed in sac-like structures or swollen vesicles on fungal hyphae; produced in huge numbers, spores are light, usually single-celled, float in air and germinate given warmth, moisture and nutrients.

Fuzzy patches

You leave cooked food on the kitchen counter for a day in warm weather. It starts to smell and grows fuzzy patches. Food kept in the refrigerator stays fresh for much longer.

What do you think the fuzzy patches are made from?

• Tiny spores that settled on the food and grew
• Cold air
• The food turning into stone

Life of a spore

Open each tab to follow the spores of a mould.

Spores spread a mould

The spores formed on the hyphae, in huge numbers, then floated in the air and grew where it was warm and moist.

Moulds reproduce by spores, formed in sac-like structures or swollen vesicles on fungal hyphae. Produced in huge numbers, spores are light, usually single-celled, float in air and germinate given warmth, moisture and nutrients.

Notes

Moulds reproduce by spores formed on hyphae: light, numerous, airborne, they germinate with warmth, moisture and nutrients.

Check yourself

Where are the spores of a mould formed?

Which description fits spores?

What do spores need to germinate into a new mould?

Why do we refrigerate perishable food?

• Inside flowers. Flowers are the reproductive organs of flowering plants. Moulds form spores on fungal hyphae.
• On the bud of a hydra. A hydra forms buds. Moulds form spores on hyphae.
• In sac-like structures or swollen vesicles on fungal hyphae — correct. Yes!
• Light, usually single-celled and floating easily in air — correct. Yes!
• Heavy, many-celled and staying in one place. Spores are lightweight, usually single-celled and float easily through air currents.
• Large and sticky, carried by bees. Large, sticky grains describe the pollen of insect-pollinated flowers. Spores are light and float in air.
• Cold and dryness. Spores need warmth and moisture. Lower temperatures slow or stop their reproduction.
• Warmth, moisture and nutrients — correct. Yes!
• Nothing, they grow anywhere. Spores wait for moisture and nutrients, and need warmth, to germinate.
• Cold helps spores grow into bigger moulds. Lower temperatures slow or stop the reproduction of spores. They do not help moulds grow.
• Cold gives the spores moisture and nutrients. Spores need warmth, moisture and nutrients to grow. Refrigeration works because lower temperatures slow or stop their reproduction.
• Lower temperatures slow or stop the reproduction of moulds — correct. Yes!