No, moulds do not have chlorophyll.
Moulds, along with mushrooms and other fungi, belong to a kingdom different from plants. One key difference is their method of obtaining energy. Plants possess chlorophyll, a green pigment that enables them to perform photosynthesis. This process allows plants to convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into energy-rich sugars, essentially creating their own food.
Moulds, on the other hand, are heterotrophic organisms. This means they cannot produce their own food. Instead, they obtain nutrients by absorbing organic matter from their surroundings. They secrete enzymes that break down organic materials, such as decaying food or wood, and then absorb the resulting simpler compounds.
Here's a table summarizing the key difference:
| Feature | Plants | Moulds (Fungi) |
|---|---|---|
| Chlorophyll | Present | Absent |
| Photosynthesis | Yes | No |
| Energy Source | Sunlight (self-produced) | Absorbed organic matter |
| Trophic Level | Autotrophic | Heterotrophic |
Because moulds lack chlorophyll, they cannot carry out photosynthesis and are not considered plants. They play a vital role in ecosystems as decomposers, breaking down dead organic matter and recycling nutrients.
