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Molds reproduce through small spores, which may contain a single nucleus or be multinucleate. Mold spores can be asexual (the products of mitosis) or sexual (the products of meiosis); many species can produce both types. Mold spores may remain airborne indefinitely, may cling to clothing or fur, or may be able to survive extremes of temperature and pressure.

Although molds grow on dead organic matter everywhere in nature, their presence is only visible to the unaided eye when mold colonies grow. A mold colony does not comprise discrete organisms, but an interconnected network of hyphae called a mycelium. Nutrients and in some cases organelles may be transported throughout the mycelium. In artificial environments like buildings, humidity and temperature are often stable enough to foster the growth of mold colonies, commonly seen as a downy or furry coating growing on food or other surfaces.

Many molds can begin growing at 4 °C (39 °F), the temperature within a typical refrigerator, or less. When conditions do not enable growth, molds may remain alive in a dormant state depending on the species, within a large range of temperatures before they die. The many different mold species vary enormously in their tolerance to temperature and humidity extremes. Certain molds can survive harsh conditions such as the snow-covered soils of Antarctica, refrigeration, highly acidic solvents, and even petroleum products such as jet fuel.

Xerophilic molds use the humidity in the air as their only water source; other molds need more moisture. Mold has a musty odor.

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Why does mold grow faster on bread soaked in milk?

Because milk has lactose which is a type of sugar. It also adds moisture. Both sugar and moisture are needed for mold to grow.


Would mold grow faster at room temperature outside or in the refrigerator?

Mold grows faster inside the fridge. The fridge is like an incubator for mold and fungal growth. This is due to the lack of oxygen and excess moisture in the fridge.


Will fire kill mold?

Yes, fire can kill mold by exposing it to high temperatures, which destroys the mold spores and their ability to grow. However, using fire to eliminate mold is not practical or safe, as it can cause damage to property and pose a significant safety risk. Instead, effective mold remediation typically involves controlling moisture, cleaning, and removing contaminated materials. It's best to consult professionals for safe and effective mold removal methods.


Does mold grow faster on store bought bread or homemade bread?

The purpose of the experiment was to discover how the type of bread affected the amount of mold. The bread was cut and placed in separate Ziploc bags. The bread was measured for mold every day and was recorded on the data sheet. My hypothesis was "If the white, wheat, whole wheat, sourdough, and sweet bread were placed in Ziploc bags and left for 20 days, then the sweet bread would grow the most mold because the sweet bread had the most energy (sugar) that the mold can use to grow." Whole Wheat bread was the type of bread that grew the most mold, while white, wheat, and sourdough did not grow any mold. When Whole Wheat bread was left to mold, it grew an average of 60.91 square cm. When sweet bread was left to mold, it grew an average of .58 square cm. of mold. When white, wheat, and sourdough were left to mold, they grew no visible mold.


Is mold a living thing?

Yes it is because it can grow, and it has cells.