Xerophilic fungi are yeasts and moulds that are capable of growth at or below a water activity (aw) of 0.85. ... External conditions of low aw are sensed by membrane osmosensors, and xerophiles then accumulate glycerol as a compatible solute to balance the internal and external osmotic pressure.
How do Xerophiles survive?
While liquid water is absolutely essential for the growth and reproduction of all terrestrial life, certain organisms can tolerate periods of extreme desiccation: the xerophiles. They survive by entering a state of anhydrobiosis, in which minimal water remains and cells' metabolic activity enters dormancy.
What do Xerophiles do?
A xerophile (from Greek xēros 'dry', and philos 'loving') is an extremophilic organism that can grow and reproduce in conditions with a low availability of water, also known as water activity. ... Mold growth on bread is an example of food spoilage by xerophilic organisms.
