Difference Between Aspergillus and Penicillium

The main difference between Aspergillus and Penicillium is that Aspergillus contains an unseparated conidiophore whereas Penicillium contains a separated, brush-like conidiophore. Further, the conidiophore of Aspergillus is straight ending in a large vesicle while that of Penicillium is branched. Also, another difference between Aspergillus and Penicillium is that the Aspergillus is green to black in color whereas Penicillium is blue in color.

Aspergillus and Penicillium are two types of mold that belong to the family Trichocomaceae of the phylum Ascomycota. They produ

Key Areas Covered 

1. What is Aspergillus
     – Definition, Characteristics
2. What is Penicillium
     – Definition, Characteristics
3. What are the Similarities Between Aspergillus and Penicillium
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Aspergillus and Penicillium
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms: Asexual Reproduction, Aspergillus, Conidiophore, Mold, Penicillium 

Difference Between Aspergillus and Penicillium - Comparison Summary

What is Aspergillus 

Aspergillus refers to any genus of ascomycetes fungi with branched, radiate sporophores. It is composed of seven subgenera and about 250 species. Also, it is one of the best known and well-studied mold groups. Aspergillus is a saprophyte that grows on decaying vegetation. The asexual spore-forming structure of Aspergillus or the conidiophore is called the aspergillum, which is a cylindrical structure. Only one-third of the Aspergillus species undergo sexual reproduction

Difference Between Aspergillus and Penicillium

Figure 1: Conidiophore of Aspergillus and Penicillium

 

What is Penicillium 

Penicillium refers to a blue mold commonly found on food and used to produce penicillin, an antibiotic. One of the most characteristic features of Penicillium is the presence of dense, brush-like spore-bearing structure. The youngest spores are at the base of the chain. 

Main Difference - Aspergillus and Penicillium

Figure 2: Conidiospores of Penicillium

Ascospores are the sexual spores of Penicillium. The ascocarps are white or yellow in color while ascospores are hyaline. Some Penicillium species are used in cheesemaking.  

Similarities Between Aspergillus and Penicillium 

  • Aspergillus and Penicillium are molds that belong to the family Trichocomaceae of the phylum Ascomycota. 
  • They are in the order Eurotiales. 
  • Both are molds composed of fungal hyphae. 
  • Both show a cosmopolitan distribution 
  • They form conidiospores during asexual reproduction. 
  • Some Aspergillus and most Penicillium produce ascospores during sexual reproduction. 
  • Eight ascospores are held inside asci, completely enclosed ascocarps. 

Difference Between Aspergillus and Penicillium 

Definition  

Aspergillus: Any genus of ascomycetes fungi with branched, radiate sporophores

Penicillium: A blue mold commonly found on food and used to produce penicillin, an antibiotic

Color of the Mold 

Aspergillus: Green to black 

Penicillium: Blue 

Conidiophore 

Aspergillus: A straight ending in a large vesicle  

Penicillium: Branched conidiophore 

Importance 

Aspergillus: Causes aspergillosis in lungs 

Penicillium: Used in the production of antibiotics that are effective against Gram-positive bacteria 

Conclusion 

Aspergillus consists of an unseparated conidiophore, which is a large vesicle with conidiospores. But, Penicillium consists of a brush-like, separated conidiophore. Aspergillus and Penicillium are two types of mold in the same family. The main difference between Aspergillus and Penicillium is the structure of the conidiophore.   

Reference:

1. Bokulich , Nicholas A, and Charles W Bamforth. Brewing Microbiology: Current Research, Omics and Microbial Ecology. Caister Academic Press, 2017, Available Here
2. “Penicillium.” Penicillium, Available Here

Image Courtesy:

1. “04 03 21a conidiophores, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Eurotiales, Ascomycota (M. Piepenbring)” By M. Piepenbring – M. Piepenbring (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Penicillium Spp.” By Dr. Sahay – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia

About the Author: Lakna

Lakna, a graduate in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, is a Molecular Biologist and has a broad and keen interest in the discovery of nature related things. She has a keen interest in writing articles regarding science.

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