What is the cottony growth over a stale and moist bread known as?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (d) Fungi

Explanation:

The cottony growth that appears over stale and moist bread is due to the growth of fungi.

• These fungi are usually of the species Rhizopus (commonly called bread mold).
• Fungi thrive in warm and moist conditions, and they reproduce by forming spores, which are light and easily spread through the air.
• When these spores land on moist bread, they germinate and grow, leading to a cottony or fluffy appearance.

Information Booster:

Fungi Characteristics:

• Nature: Fungi are eukaryotic organisms (having a true nucleus).
• Examples: Yeasts, molds (like Rhizopus), and mushrooms.
• Reproduction: Mainly by spores (either sexually or asexually).
• Nutrition: They are heterotrophic, meaning they depend on organic substances for food.

Bread Mould (Rhizopus):

• Appearance: White cottony growth that later turns black as sporangia (spore sacs) form.
• Habitat: Moist and carbohydrate-rich foods like bread, fruits, and vegetables.

Additional Knowledge:

Bacteria

• Nature: Microscopic, unicellular organisms that lack a true nucleus (prokaryotic).

• Habitat: Found in almost every environment — soil, water, air, and even inside living organisms.

• Reproduction: Primarily by binary fission (asexual method).

Algae

• Nature: Simple, mostly aquatic, photosynthetic organisms.

• Structure: Can be unicellular (e.g., Chlorella) or multicellular (e.g., kelp).

• Habitat: Found in freshwater, marine water, moist areas, and sometimes on rocks or trees.

Lichens

• Nature: A symbiotic association between a fungus and a photosynthetic partner (usually algae or cyanobacteria).

• Habitat: Grow on rocks, tree bark, soil, and walls in harsh environments.

• Structure: The fungus provides protection and minerals, while the photosynthetic partner supplies food via photosynthesis.