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, having a round or oval shape, with various colours. They reproduce sexually or asexually. On the contrary, yeat is unicellular, with a thread-like or filamentous structure. It reproduces by budding.
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 | |
| The growth form of fungus | A microscopic form of fungus |
| Found | |
| Damp and dark areas |
Commonly found in the environment
|
| Appears | |
| Fuzzy, multicellular | White & thready, unicellular |
| Types | |
| 4,00,000 | 1,500 |
| Uses | |
| Production of cheese | Production of ethanol |
| Sporing fungi | |
| Yes | No |
| Colour | |
| Purple, orange, brown, green, pink and black | Colourless |
| Shape | |
| Threadlike | Oval |
| Reproduction | |
| Sexual or asexual spores | Budding |
| Example | |
| Penicillium, Aspergillus, Mucor, etc. |
Cryptococcus neoformans, S. 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. Few moulds can also be hazardous to health and can cause allergies, headache, itching, and respiratory problems.
What is Yeast?
Yeast is a unicellular eukaryote that reproduces asexually by budding. These single-celled microorganisms are classified as the 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 the fermentation–An anaerobic process.
Yeast can also cause infection such as Candidiasis in humans. Saccharomyces cerevisiae is used in the baking industry.
Also Read: Kingdom Fungi
Conclusion
Yeast and molds, both are a type of fungi with different characters and uses. Both are eukaryotes, but different in their structure and uses. Both undergo different modes of reproduction. Yeast reproduces asexually, whereas, mould reproduces both through sexually as well as asexually.
Also Read: Difference between Algae and Fungi
These were some of the important difference between Molds and Yeasts. To know more about the Kingdom Fungi register at BYJU’S.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you kill mold and yeast?
Molds and yeast are sensitive to heat and can be killed at high temperatures of 140-160°F. Some molds make heat resistant pores and cannot be killed by heat.
What are the growth conditions for mold and yeast?
Mold and yeast grow in low moisture and can grow at a water activity of <=0.85. They win against common bacteria under limited moisture and pH conditions.
Which kingdom do mold and yeast belong?
Mold and yeast belong to kingdom fungi.