Penicillin is produced from a mould. Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin from a green mould which prevented the growth of bacteria.

Penicillin Production by Mould
The microorganism responsible for producing penicillin is mould. Let's delve into the details of how mould plays a crucial role in the production of this widely used antibiotic.
Benefits of Mould in Penicillin Production:
- **Penicillin Production**: Mould, specifically Penicillium fungi, naturally produce penicillin as part of their defense mechanism against bacteria. This antibiotic helps the mould to outcompete other microorganisms in its environment.
- **Antibacterial Properties**: Penicillin is effective against a wide range of bacteria, making it a valuable weapon in fighting various infections in humans.
Process of Penicillin Production:
- **Fermentation**: The penicillin production process involves fermenting Penicillium fungi in large-scale bioreactors. These controlled environments provide optimal conditions for mould growth and penicillin production.
- **Extraction**: Once the mould has produced a sufficient amount of penicillin, the antibiotic is extracted from the fermentation broth through a series of purification steps.
- **Purification**: The extracted penicillin undergoes purification to remove impurities and obtain a highly concentrated form of the antibiotic suitable for medical use.
Role of Mould in Medicine:
- **Medical Applications**: Penicillin revolutionized the field of medicine by providing an effective treatment for bacterial infections. It has saved countless lives since its discovery.
- **Development of Antibiotics**: The success of penicillin paved the way for the development of other antibiotics, expanding the arsenal of treatments available to combat infectious diseases.
In conclusion, mould, specifically Penicillium fungi, is the key microorganism responsible for producing penicillin. Its natural ability to synthesize this important antibiotic has had a profound impact on medicine and human health.