What characteristic differentiates yeasts from molds?

Yeasts are primarily distinguished from molds by their unicellular structure. Yeasts are single-celled fungi that reproduce asexually through budding or fission. This characteristic allows them to efficiently adapt and thrive in various environments, as they can quickly reproduce when conditions are favorable.

In contrast, molds are characterized by their multicellular, filamentous organization. Molds grow as networks of hyphae, which are long, thread-like structures that form a mycelium. This filamentous form enables molds to penetrate their substrate for nutrient absorption. As a result, the presence of hyphae and the multicellular nature are defining traits of molds, highlighting the fundamental difference between these two types of fungi.

Recognizing the distinguishing feature of unicellularity in yeasts clarifies their classification within the fungal kingdom, allowing for a better understanding of their biology and ecological roles.