Mould and yeast are eukaryotes belonging to the kingdom Fungi. Belonging to the same kingdom, both differ in their structure, function, colour and mode of reproduction. Mould is multicellular. They are found as masses of mycelium or hyphae with various colours. They reproduce sexually or asexually. On the contrary, yeast is unicellular and may be round, oval or filamentous. Budding is the most common form of asexual reproduction in yeasts.
Read on to explore the difference between moulds and yeast in detail.
Also Read: Economic Importance of Fungi
Moulds vs Yeast
| Moulds | Yeasts |
| Type of fungus | |
| Moulds are multicellular and grow in the form of hyphae or mycelium. | Yeasts are microscopic and unicellular |
| Appearance | |
| Fuzzy and found in various colours and shapes | Smooth, usually white or colourless and oval in shape |
| Sporing fungi | |
| Yes | No |
| Colour of Colonies | |
| More colourful. It may be purple, orange, brown, green, pink or black. | Less colourful. It may be pale yellow, cream, white or colourless |
| Shape | |
| Mostly filamentous | Mostly oval |
| Reproduction | |
| Sexual or asexual spores | Mostly by asexual means by mitosis. Budding is the most common mode of reproduction. |
| Example | |
| Penicillium, Aspergillus, Mucor, etc. |
Cryptococcus neoformans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, etc
|
What is Mould?
Moulds are eukaryotic, multicellular microorganisms, that produce sexually by meiosis and asexually by mitosis. They have filamentous hyphae and airborne spores. Moulds decompose organic waste and are also used in making antibiotics, cheese, etc. Few moulds can also be hazardous to health and can cause allergies, headaches, itching, and respiratory problems.
What is Yeast?
Yeast is a unicellular eukaryote that generally reproduces by budding. These single-celled microorganisms are classified as members of the Kingdom Fungi. There are 1500 types of yeast present. Yeast is commonly found in fruits, animal skin, vegetables, etc. It can convert carbohydrates to alcohol and carbon dioxide through the process of fermentation, which is an anaerobic process.
Yeast can also cause infections such as candidiasis in humans. Saccharomyces cerevisiae is used in the baking industry.
Also Read: Kingdom Fungi
Conclusion
Yeasts and moulds (or molds), are both fungi with different characteristics and uses. Both are eukaryotes but different in their structure and uses. Both undergo different modes of reproduction.
Also Read: Difference between Algae and Fungi
These were some of the important differences between moulds and yeast. To know more about the Kingdom Fungi register at BYJU’S.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you kill mould and yeast?
Moulds and yeasts are sensitive to heat and can be killed at high temperatures of 140-160°F. Some moulds make heat-resistant spores and cannot be killed by heat.
What are the growth conditions for mould and yeast?
Mould and yeast grow in low moisture. The optimum temperature and pH range vary from 10-35°C and 2-9, respectively.
Which kingdom do mould and yeast belong to?
Mould and yeast belong to the kingdom Fungi.
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