Penicillium

Penicillium is a type of mold, a fungus that is commonly found in the environment, especially on decaying organic materials. It plays a crucial role in food production, such as in the making of cheeses like Roquefort and Camembert. Most notably, Penicillium is famous for producing penicillin, the first antibiotic discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928, which has saved countless lives by treating bacterial infections. While beneficial in many contexts, some species can also spoil food and cause allergic reactions or infections in susceptible individuals. Overall, Penicillium illustrates the dual nature of fungi in health and food.