On the other hand, the spores of some fungal species have a thin cell wall so it will germinate quickly under favourable conditions. A well-known example is the spore of Clostridium difficile, a gut bacterium whose spores can survive an intensive course of antibiotics or chemotherapy, after which this bacterium can start to dominate the intestines, causing all kinds of health problems. Some bacteria species produce endospores, which can survive for a long time and are resistant to stomach acid and chemicals such as disinfectants and antibiotics. Some spores use pigment to prevent DNA damage from UV radiation from the sun. Such a tough cell wall makes the spore resistant to all kinds of extreme conditions such as heat, cold, UV radiation, acids and even chemical agents until conditions improve again. The spore is often just a single cell with a solid cell wall. Once in another place, the spore grows into a new fungus. In the past, ferns had been loosely grouped with other spore-bearing vascular plants, often called fern. The millions of spores hang between the gills under the cap and spread via wind, water or animals. Ferns generally reproduce by producing spores. Fungi often use special structures, such as mushrooms, to spread spores. These microbes use their spores just like a plant uses its seeds: to reproduce and spread. The word spore comes from the Greek "sporā" which means "seed". I'm a bit of a worrier when it comes to things such as these.Spores are made by many types of microbes, such as certain species of bacteria, fungi and algae, but also by plants such as mosses and ferns. We've had professionals come in and check our home for mold. Bacterial spores are stronger, harder to kill, and are more likely to make you sick,īut, you're right both types can be bad for your health if you have them in your home and breathe them.Īre mold spores the same as bacteria spores, or are they something different? I know both can make you very sick. So this is a real danger and our scientists and doctors need to find a way to disrupt the spore forming mechanism of bacteria.ĭecember 15, There are differences mold spores are fungal, and you can usually kill mold and mildew with bleach or strong cleaners. But some of the biggest and deadliest epidemics on earth have been due to bacteria. Some people think that viruses are more dangerous than bacteria. If bacteria can survive the harshest of conditions and revive at a later time, we can't ever wipe out these infections entirely. If the number of infectious bacteria that can form protective spores like this increase, it can be detrimental for animals and humans. Resistance to antibiotics is already a growing issue in terms of treating bacterial infections. If word gets out that our favorite household cleaner can't actually kill germs, obviously that will affect sales negatively.īacterial spores are very scary. Isn't it in the interest of cleaning product manufacturers to invest in this research? They stand to lose too. The home must be well ventilated to dissipate the bleach fumes as quickly as possible. It's important to dilute bleach when using and also to wear a mask and gloves for protection. Unfortunately though, bleach is also toxic to us and inhaling its fumes and coming into contact physically can be very dangerous for us. It's also used for other cleaning needs when there is someone carrying a permanent bacterial infection in the home, such as hepatitis B. It's used by home-owners when dealing with stubborn mold growth in basements. The spores are released into the environment from the gills (or pores) located under the cap of a mature mushroom. Bleach seems to be one of the few things that can actually kill them. What are Spores Although not technically accurate, mushroom spores can be thought of as seeds, with each spore containing exactly half of the genetic information required to produce an actual mushroom. This is also why people have so many issues with mold in their homes and also why bacteria causing illnesses like tetanus are so dangerous. Like you said, there are also fungi spores.Īll spores are dangerous because they are so difficult to get rid of. So it is not a specific body to bacteria. December 19, A spore is any one-cell body that is resistant to harsh conditions and can form into something else.