Penicillin vs. Penicillium — What's the Difference?

Bacterial infection treatment.

Natural occurrence.

Derived from mold.

Mold genus.

Antibiotic substance.

Diverse species.

Cell wall synthesis inhibitor.

Antibiotic source.

Subject to resistance.

Used in cheese making.

Penicillins (P, PCN or PEN) are a group of antibiotics originally obtained from Penicillium moulds, principally P. chrysogenum and P. rubens. Most penicillins in clinical use are chemically synthesised from naturally-produced penicillins.

Penicillium () is a genus of ascomycetous fungi that is part of the mycobiome of many species and is of major importance in the natural environment, in food spoilage, and in food and drug production. Some members of the genus produce penicillin, a molecule that is used as an antibiotic, which kills or stops the growth of certain kinds of bacteria.

An antibiotic drug obtained from molds especially of the genus Penicillium or produced synthetically, available in various preparations and usually used to treat infections caused by gram-positive bacteria.

Any of various characteristically bluish-green fungi of the genus Penicillium that grow as molds on decaying fruits and ripening cheese and are used in the production of antibiotics such as penicillin and in making cheese.

Any of a group of broad-spectrum antibiotic drugs, synthetic or semisynthetic, that are derived from penicillin.

Any of the blue-green fungi, of the genus Penicillium, that are used in the manufacture of cheeses, and are an important source of antibiotics.

(pharmaceutical drug) Any of a group of narrow-spectrum antibiotics obtained from Penicillium molds or synthesized, that have a beta-lactam structure and are active against gram-positive bacteria and used in the treatment of various infections and diseases.

Genus of fungi commonly growing as green or blue molds on decaying food; used in making cheese and as a source of penicillin

(mycology) A blue mold of the genus Penicillium that produces penicillin.

Any of a variety of substances having a structure containing a beta-lactam ring fused to a thiirane ring, to which a carboxyl group is attached, but most commonly interpreted as benzyl penicillin. They are notable as powerful antibacterial agents of relatively low toxicity which have found extensive use in medicine for treating bacterial infections. They are categorized as one of the classes of beta-lactam antibiotic. They are produced naturally by some fungi and bacteria, and industrial production processes almost invariably start from some form of the penicillin nucleus produced by fermentation of microorganisms. The fermentation products are then chemically modified to produce derivatives of enhanced potency, safety, or antibacterial spectrum. The first penicillin to see extensive use clinically (during World War II) was penicillin G, also called benzypenicillin, and commonly simply "penicillin".

Any of various antibiotics obtained from penicillium molds (or produced synthetically) and used in the treatment of various infections and diseases

No, only specific species of Penicillium are known to produce penicillin.

Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin in 1928 when he noticed that Penicillium mold inhibited bacterial growth.

Penicillium is used in the food industry, notably in the production of blue cheeses.

Penicillin marked the beginning of the antibiotic era, drastically reducing deaths from bacterial infections.

Yes, penicillin and its derivatives remain crucial for treating various bacterial infections.

Penicillin is an antibiotic derived from certain species of Penicillium mold.

Challenges include allergic reactions in some people and the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

They are produced through the fermentation of Penicillium mold in controlled environments.

Beyond antibiotics, Penicillium species contribute to the flavor and texture of certain cheeses.

A common misconception is that all molds, including all Penicillium species, are harmful, whereas some have beneficial uses in medicine and food.