Microbiology Series: Third in a Six-Part Series
Penicillium

photo-6icTendic he genus Penicillium derives its name from the brush-like penicillus that it produces in order to asexually reproduce. The species of this genus are usually blue-green in color but variants that are white, pink and orange can be observed. They are essentially found everywhere in nature and are therefore also found in schools, homes, and commercial buildings. The organisms that belong to this genus can grow at a wide range of temperatures, e.g., from 4° C to 45° C, as anyone who has ever pulled moldy bread or cheese from the refrigerator can attest. (1) The most common organism …