← Chapter 5
Microbiology · Chapter 5
Yeasts, Molds & Dimorphic Fungi
Every medically important fungus grows in one of three ways — as a budding
yeast
, a filamentous
mold
, or a temperature-controlled
shape-shifter
. The form tells you how it spreads and which infection to expect. Compare all three.
Yeast
Round cells that bud
Yeast
single cells
Mold
filaments
Dimorphic
both forms
Yeast
single-celled
Change the temperature — watch it shape-shift:
25°C
cool environment
37°C
inside the host