Q&A for How to Make Mold Grow on Bread

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  • Question
    What will happen if I don't seal the bags?
    Meredith Juncker, PhD
    Scientific Researcher
    Meredith Juncker is a PhD candidate in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. Her studies are focused on proteins and neurodegenerative diseases.
    Scientific Researcher
    Expert Answer
    If the plastic is not sealed, your bread may dry out. Mold needs moisture to grow. Additionally, an open bag may cause the spread of mold spores into the atmosphere which can be potentially harmful to the human body.
  • Question
    Can mold be used as a medicine?
    Meredith Juncker, PhD
    Scientific Researcher
    Meredith Juncker is a PhD candidate in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. Her studies are focused on proteins and neurodegenerative diseases.
    Scientific Researcher
    Expert Answer
    While some pharmaceuticals are derived from mold (e.g., penicillin), regular mold cannot be used as a medicine as is. You would need to know the type of mold you have (species name) and would also have to process the mold scientifically to create a medicine suitable for human use.
  • Question
    How long does it take for mold to grow on the bread?
    Community Answer
    Lightly moistened bread stored in a warm, dark place should grow mold in about 7-10 days.
  • Question
    What is the hypothesis for investigation?
    Community Answer
    If you were performing this experiment, you might ask what environment allows the mold to grow fastest? If you did some research, you would see that mold grows best in a warm, damp environment. Knowing this, a testable hypothesis would be: The best environment to grow mold is one that is both warm and damp.
  • Question
    Where's the darkest and most moist place in the house?
    Community Answer
    Probably under your sink or in any closet or cabinet. Make sure you put a lock on the cabinet or closet if you have small children or pets that could get into it.
  • Question
    What does mold need to grow?
    Community Answer
    Mold needs dampness, warmth and a food source.
  • Question
    The bread is not growing mold at all and it's been 2 weeks. Is there anyway to speed it up?
    Community Answer
    Your bread might have dried up or it was to cold for it to grow. You may want to start over with new bread.
  • Question
    Does light speed up the growth or is dark better?
    Community Answer
    Light does not affect mold growth in any way, as only temperature, humidity, and nutrition make it possible for mold to grow.
  • Question
    Do I need to spray the bread with water?
    Community Answer
    You can take a wet paper towel and put it over the bread in a bag for dampness.
  • Question
    Can I do this with dry bread?
    Community Answer
    Dry bread will eventually grow mold, but it will take much longer.
  • Question
    How much water do I need to put on the bread?
    Community Answer
    About 1 spray or until it's coated with water, but make sure it's not so wet that it gets soggy.
  • Question
    What gives mold its color?
    Community Answer
    Mold gets its color from a pigment called melanin, which acts as a barrier to other molds.
  • Question
    How long does it take for dry bread to mold?
    Community Answer
    Much longer, as dry bread will grow stale. If you are doing a science experiment, provide moisture for it to grow quicker.
  • Question
    Where can I find a gallery of pictures that show mold growth on bread?
    Community Answer
    Illustrations can found on the internet (by search via Google or Wikipedia) or by going to your local library and finding a book on mold growth. The internet would be quicker and easier though.
  • Question
    Why would I want to grow mold on bread?
    Community Answer
    One would typically do this as a science project.
  • Question
    How long does it take for mold to grow on bread in the fridge?
    Community Answer
    It takes 1 year for mold to grow on bread in the fridge. If you keep it in a Ziploc bag it will take another year for mold to grow on it.
  • Question
    What will happen if the plastic is not sealed?
    Community Answer
    The bread will get dry and the experiment won't work. If that happens, you'll have to start over.
  • Question
    What kind of bread is the best for growing mold?
    Community Answer
    Anything fresh, for quicker results don’t buy your bread from a box store grocery. Go to a bakery or bake it yourself.
  • Question
    How long does the process take?
    Community Answer
    The process takes about 7 - 10 days.
  • Question
    Can mold grow on bread in a day?
    Community Answer
    No because it takes 7-10 days for the mould to grow. The mould needs to go through the process of growing the spores and reproducing.
  • Question
    Why does the mold grow?
    Community Answer
    Mold grows because in the air spores are present. If some spores fall in the damp or any material, then mold grows. Mold also grows easily in warm and moist areas.
  • Question
    How much mold can grow on bread in 10 days if the temperature is over 20 degrees celsius?
    Community Answer
    Even if the temperature is 20 degree Celsius the mould will appear on the bread after keeping it for 10 days. Remember to sprinkle water on the bread.
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