Kingdom Fungi

Examining the Structures Mold

Mold Background Information:

Molds are shapeless fuzzy fungi. Most molds are decomposers and usually live in the soil. Many molds can be seen in our homes growing on things like strawberries and bread. The hyphae of molds grow into their food source. These hyphae release digestive acids that dissolve the food source. The cells of the hyphae then absorb the digested material. Under the microscope, the hyphae look like clear or white strands. Some of the hyphae of molds grow into the air. These hyphae are called sporangiophores. Bread mold that appears black has produced many sporangiophores. At the tips of the sporangiophores are round spore cases called sporangia. During asexual reproduction, spores are formed in these cases. When the cases break open, they release their spores. If the spores land in an area where conditions are favorable, they will grow into a new mold. Molds can also reproduce sexually by fusing hyphae from two different molds.

The Mold growing in the bread above has been dramatically enlarged to show details!

Materials:

1.  Sealed Mold Sample
2.  Dissecting Scope

Procedures:

1.  Obtain a sample of mold. (Caution!! Do Not Touch the Sample)

2.  Observe under the microscope.

Part 1: Draw the mold sample. Label the hyphae, sporangia, & sprangiophores. Refer to the available picture of the mold to help you identify these structures. Be sure to record total magnification.

Conclusions( USE THE BACKGROUND INFORMATION):

1.  Explain how molds digest food?

2.  How is digestion of mold different than digestion in humans?

3.  In the tropics, fungi are responsible for destroying up to 50% of crops. Crop damage due to mold is much more common in tropical areas?

4.  Explain how mold reproduce asexually?

5.  Explain how molds can reproduce sexually?

  1. Which group of fungi do the mold that you observed today belong?
  2. In what structure are the spores produced?