| Conceptual Reference Database for Building Envelope Research |
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| Essay:fungi and its place in natureFungi are very primitive live forms that feed on organic matters (heterotrophic) with characteristics of plants. They differ from plants in that they do not contain chlorophyll (for photosynthesis) and live off other organic matter dead (saprophytic) or alive (parasite). Digestive enzymes are liberated from the fungal cell into the infested materials, where food molecules are simplified and the nutrients pass into the fungal cell as a watery solution (Moore-Landercker, 1990; Alexopoulos et al., 1996). Molds are visible clusters of microscopic filaments, called hyphae, of fungal growth.Fungi commonly grow on plants, compost heaps, paper products and some animals, including humans. In buildings, fungi can appear on many materials (drywall, adhesive, paper, wood, plaster, leather and cloth, carpeting, wallpaper, and, furniture) and different locations (basement, attic, crawlspace, bathroom, kitchen, closet, and, wall cavities). Fungi are found in all parts of the world, in every type of climate and in all social and economic conditions. Fungi are very pervasive in almost every habitat and coexist in symbiosis with many other organisms, such as plants and insects. Human enlists fungi for many of their ordinary productions (e.g.: bread, wine and beer) as well as in bioengineering and pharmaceutics. Fungi are also the nature's recycling mechanism, by consuming dead organisms and recycling the organic materials. References for mold and fungi studies for a list of related reference. [J. Rao]
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fungi overview fungi and its place in nature
molds as visible part of fungi Encyclopeadia Britannica reference of fungi Encyclopeadia Britannica definitions related to fungi References for mold and fungi studies for a list of related reference. Mycotoxins in water damaged buildings Mycology and Building Mycology Essay: References for mold and fungi studies
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