Mold is a mushroom that has many uses. Molds are very common; These reproducing spores are found everywhere, including in the air and on various surfaces. Interestingly, molds are organisms that can transmit disease to humans and spoil food, but molds are used to preserve other foods and produce components used in the production of medicines. Growing mold is a good way to learn about this unique organism. With the instructions provided in this article, you can quickly grow your own mold.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Studying Mold
Step 1. Understand the definition of mold
Mold is one type of fungus that is often found everyday. Molds are scientifically defined as multicellular organisms from the kingdom of fungi (the taxonomic order parallel to that of plants or animals). These organisms, which are formed with genetically identical cells, are known as mycelium.
Step 2. Identify the influence of molds on life on earth
Most people recognize mold as something greenish and hairy on a piece of bread or a piece of fruit, but not all molds look disgusting. Some molds also aid in the preservation of food-as in cheese making. Another use of molds (penicillin) is to make antibiotics that have saved many people. Mold and other fungi also play an important role in the decomposition process. Molds and fungi break down the structure of plant and animal cells and allow the nutrients they contain to reenter the food web.
Step 3. Know the three things that molds need
Living molds ride on living things, and even the cell structure of these fungi is more animal-like than plant-like. Like other living things, molds need water, food sources, and the right environment to survive.
- Like animals, molds (and all other types of fungi) cannot produce food internally. All required calories and nutrients must be taken from external sources. Mold, in general, is not picky. Some molds can grow on starchy foods, and some will grow on fruits and vegetables, while others will grow on tiny bits of organic matter (mostly on paper) walls.
- Mold survives well in wet environments. Of course most living things live near water, but molds are totally dependent on water. Unlike plants and animals, molds employ an external digestive process. A dry environment makes nutrient absorption difficult for molds. Mold will not survive without moisture.
- Most types of mold also prefer warm temperatures. There are two reasons for this. The enzymes that molds use in both external digestion and internal cellular processes function best in temperatures well above freezing. Plus, molds are multicellular organisms without a complex circulatory system. It is easier for molds to transfer nutrients from one cell to another in a warm environment than in a cold environment.
- Although some molds are usually sensitive to light, most types of mold are not affected by sunlight. Mold usually doesn't grow in sunny areas because the area is at risk of drying out.
Part 2 of 2: Growing Your Own Mold
Step 1. Identify usable food sources
As noted above, almost anything that has ever lived (and some that isn't) is a potential food source for molds. However, some molds are more common than others.
- One of the most common types of mold is penicillin, which usually grows on bread. Bread is a suitable host for molds because like humans, bread is good food for molds. The organic matter in wheat or bread-making grains has been partially decomposed. Like humans, bread is more easily digested by molds than grains directly.
- Products made from milk, and especially cheese, can also grow mold effectively. It is easier to study mold growth in mold-free cheeses such as mozzarella. On the other hand, some cheeses may have mold on the inside or on the outside. This cheese can also be used as food for molds and a source for obtaining mold.
Step 2. Find a suitable container
Mold releases spores that can cause allergies, and some of them can even cause infection. While most molds are harmless, you should protect yourself. Find a container that can be used as a place for mold to grow. The best containers should be clear so you can examine the growth of the mold without exposing yourself. The selected container must have an airtight and waterproof cover. Even if you don't add moisture, the decomposition process that will occur may look disgusting.
- One type of cover that can be chosen is a clear plastic bag that can seal the container. You can watch the mold grow and keep it covered. It's best to use a high-quality plastic bag as a broken seal can spread an unpleasant odor from mold.
- For all the reasons previously mentioned, you should look for a receptacle that can be disposed of. Once you've filled your container with mold, you shouldn't open it.
Step 3. Find the ideal environment
As explained above, molds do not have to be kept out of the sun, but exposure to direct sunlight can make the mold dry. Also, although some types of mold can live in cold places, most types of mold grow better in warm environments. Find a warm, sheltered place to store the mold as it grows.
Step 4. Seal the mold food source in the container
Mold spores are everywhere, and you don't have to "plant" them in those food sources. Mold spores are already present in the food.
Make sure the container is sufficiently moist. You should be able to seal the container tightly and never reopen it once the mold has grown. If the food source runs dry while you are still waiting for the mold to grow, you may have to reopen the container and add more water. However, most molds cannot grow in water directly. Keep food sources moist without flooding them with water
Step 5. Check mold development daily
Check the container for mold regularly (daily, if possible). If no mold is visible, and the food looks dry, open the container and sprinkle a few drops of water on it.
If you open the container, we recommend using rubber gloves and a disposable mask to cover your face and nose. Even if you can't see the mold above the food source, some may already be growing. Most molds are harmless, but there are some types that are dangerous. Don't take the slightest risk
Step 6. Learn about the mold you've grown
Look carefully and note the color and shape of the mold patch above the food source. Both of these can indicate the type of mold that grows on the food source. You can find out more about common types of mold on the internet. For citizens of the United States, this information can be found on the US Department of Agriculture website.
Step 7. Remove the mold once you are done researching it
Discard the mold and its containers. Do not open the container.
