Penicillium (genus)

Penicillium is a genus of mold fungi commonly found in the environment, especially on decaying organic matter. These molds are characterized by their characteristic blue-green appearance and fuzzy texture. Penicillium species are significant in medicine and industry; they produce antibiotics like penicillin, which revolutionized healthcare by treating bacterial infections. Additionally, they play a role in food production, such as in the aging of cheeses like Roquefort and blue cheese. While generally beneficial or harmless, some species can produce allergies or spoil food, so their presence is monitored in various settings.