Learn the primary differences between Mold and Yeast. The basis of comparison include: Definition reproduction, appearance and texture, examples, growth conditions, number of species, habitat, virulence, conversion of food substances, uses, cell structure, hyphae and health problems.
The difference
Definition
Mold is a type of fungus that contains multiple identical nuclei. It grows in multi-cellular filaments known as hyphae. On the other hand, yeast is a type of microscopic fungus that contains only a single oval cell.
Reproduction
Molds reproduce both sexually and asexually using spores, on the other hand, yeast reproduce asexually through binary fission (budding).
Appearance and Texture
Molds have a thread-like appearance and can be seen in wide variety of colors and hues with a wooly or fuzzy texture. In contrast, Yeast is oval in shape and is colorless and smooth.
Examples
Examples of mold include: Alternaria, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Mucor,Penicillium, Rhizopus, Trichophyton etc. On the contrary, examples of yeast include: Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Cryptococcus neoformans etc.
Growth Conditions
Yeast can grow in limited range of acidity (PH) of between 4.0 to 4.5 whereas molds can grow in a wide range of acidity PH levels. In this regard, molds have higher risks of causing food spoilage and sanitation problems.
Number of Species
There are about 1000 known species of molds. On the contrary, there are about 1500 known species of yeast.
Habitat
Molds typically grow in damp, dark or steam-filled areas whereas yeast can be found on fruits and berries, in the stomach of mammals and on skin and many other places.
Virulence
Yeasts are less virulent (less harmless) when compared with molds.
Conversion of Food Substances
Molds secrete hydrolytic enzymes to external food sources and convert them into simple substances that can be absorbed. On the other hand, yeast converts carbohydrates to alcohol during fermentation.
Uses
Molds are used in making cheese, rannit, vitamin supplements and antibiotics such as penicillin. It is also used in biodegradation and study of cell cycle. Yeast on the contrary, is used in making alcoholic beverages which contain ethanol, used in baking, ethanol production, production of food additives and flavors.
Cell Structure
Mold is multi-cellular with tubular and filamentous hyphae. In contrast, yeast is Uni-cellular and exists either individually or with buds growing on them.
Hyphae
Yeast do not have true hyphae, they form multicellular structures known as pseudo-hyphae. Molds on the other hand, have microscopic filaments known as hyphae.
Health Problems
Molds cause allergic reactions and respiratory inflammations whereas yeast can cause infections in individuals with weak immune systems.
Also Read: Difference Between Protista, Monera And Fungi
Differences Between Molds and Yeast In Tabular Form
| Points of Comparison | Mold | Yeast |
| Definition | Mold is a type of fungus that contains multiple identical nuclei. It grows in multi-cellular filaments known as hyphae. | Yeast is a type of microscopic fungus that contains only a single oval cell. |
| Reproduction | Reproduce both sexually and asexually using spores. | Reproduce asexually through binary fission (budding). |
| Appearance and Texture | Have a thread-like appearance and can be seen in wide variety of colors and hues with a wooly or fuzzy texture. | Are oval in shape and is colorless and smooth. |
| Examples | Examples of mold include: Alternaria, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Mucor, Penicillium, Rhizopus, Trichophyton etc. | Examples of yeast include: Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Cryptococcus neoformans etc. |
| Conditions For Growth | Molds can grow in a wide range of acidity PH levels. | Yeast can grow in limited range of acidity (PH) of between 4.0 to 4.5. |
| Number of Species | There are about 1000 known species of molds. | There are about 1500 known species of yeast. |
| Habitat | Molds typically grow in damp, dark or steam-filled areas. | Yeast can be found on fruits and berries, in the stomach of mammals and on skin and many other places. |
| Virulence | Molds are more virulent (much harmless) when compared with yeast. | Yeasts are less virulent (less harmless) when compared with molds. |
| Conversion of Food Substances | Molds secrete hydrolytic enzymes to external food sources and convert them into simple substances that can be absorbed. | Yeast converts carbohydrates to alcohol during fermentation. |
| Uses | Used in making cheese, rannit, vitamin supplements and antibiotics such as penicillin. It is also used in biodegradation and study of cell cycle. | Used in making alcoholic beverages which contain ethanol, used in baking, ethanol production, production of food additives and flavors. |
| Cell Structure | Multi-cellular with tubular and filamentous hyphae. | Uni-cellular and exists either individually or with buds growing on them. |
| Hyphae | Molds have microscopic filaments known as hyphae. | Yeast do not have true hyphae, they form multi-cellular structures known as pseudo-hyphae. |
| Health Problems | Molds cause allergic reactions and respiratory inflammations. | Yeast can cause infections in individuals with weak immune systems. |
What are the Similarities Between Yeast and Mold?
- Both yeast and mold are types of fungi.
- Both yeast and mold have a chitin, a glucose derivative (chitin is the one substance that unifies all fungi including yeast, molds, rusts and mushrooms.
- Yeast and mold are saprophytes.
- Both yeast and molds can decompose porous household surfaces like wood and plaster.
- Both yeast and molds undergo chemical reactions during their germination processes (they cause foods to deteriorate or decompose.
- Both yeast and mold require moisture for germination.
- Both yeast and mold are vulnerable to heat. Heat can eliminate moisture and neutralize fungal spores.
- Both yeast and mold require oxygen to grow properly. Molds cannot grow without oxygen while yeast suffers stunted growth in an oxygen-derived environment.
- Both molds and yeast grow by multiplying their spores and therefore do not need light at all to grow properly, the way others the way other plants require light in order grow properly.
- Molds and yeast are both capable of causing allergic reactions. They both come from airborne spores; they can pollute the airwaves of an allergic person and cause symptoms.
- Some types of molds and yeasts can even cause severe infections.
- Both mold and yeast are eukaryotes and share a similar cell structure.
Also Read: Difference Between Unicellular And Multicellular Organisms