Mold Identification & Types Flashcards

Which mold genus is most commonly associated with water-damaged drywall and is often referred to as 'black mold' in public discourse?

Answer: Stachybotrys

Stachybotrys chartarum is the species commonly called 'black mold' and thrives on cellulose-rich, water-damaged materials like drywall.

What microscopic structure do molds use to reproduce and disperse through the air?

Answer: Spores

Mold reproduces via spores, which are microscopic particles that become airborne and germinate when they land on suitable moist surfaces.

Cladosporium is primarily characterized by what color in culture?

Answer: Olive-green to brown or black

Cladosporium typically appears olive-green to brown or black and is one of the most common outdoor and indoor mold genera.

Which characteristic best distinguishes Aspergillus from Penicillium under a microscope?

Answer: Aspergillus has a globose vesicle (conidial head), Penicillium has a brush-like conidiophore

Aspergillus is identified by its vesicle (swollen tip) on the conidiophore, while Penicillium has a brush-like branching structure called a penicillus.

Alternaria is commonly found in which indoor environment?

Answer: Shower tiles and window frames

Alternaria frequently colonizes bathroom shower tiles, window frames, and other surfaces with recurring moisture exposure.

What term describes the visible mass of fungal hyphae that forms the body of a mold colony?

Answer: Mycelium

The mycelium is the network of branching hyphae that constitutes the vegetative body of a mold colony.

Which mold genus is known for producing blue-green colonies and is a source of the antibiotic penicillin?

Answer: Penicillium

Penicillium produces blue-green colonies and was the original source of penicillin, discovered by Alexander Fleming.