Name: ___________________________________________________ Fungi Lab Fungi Introduction: Fungi are composed of many small filaments called hyphae. The fungi create mycelium, which are tangled masses of hyphae. Fungi can be saprobes (eat dead matter), parasitic (eat living organisms and harm them), mututalistic (closely associate with another species where both benefit), and even can be carnivores. Fungi are always heterotrophic, obtaining nutrients by secreting an enzyme that digests an organism and then absorbing the resulting chemicals. All fungi are multicellular, except for yeast. Fungi come in many classes which are categorized based on their reproductive structures. The molds (Zygomycota) reproduce by creating gametangia, which form zygospores. Sac fungi (Ascomycota) reproduce by creating an Ascus which forms Conidiophores, which form conidiospores. Club fungi (Basidiomycota) create fruiting bodies known as mushrooms. The mushroom has a cap with gills underneath it. The spore bearing structures, called Basidium, are found on the gills and they create basidiospores. Finally, the Imperfect fungi (Deuteromycota) are all the fungi in which no sexual reproduction has been observed. In this lab, fungal structures are observed visually, under a stereoscope, and under a microcope. Some of the fungi have already been turned into a slide and stained. Wet mounts will be created for other fresh samples of fungi. Here are some examples, but there is quite a bit of variety.

Basidiomycota Zygomycota Ascomycota Purpose: To observe fungal structures such as

fruiting body, spores, and hyphae. To differentiate between the different

categories of fungi on the basis of reproductive structures. Hyphae à

Name: ___________________________________________________. Bacteria Lab Part 2 (p. 2) Materials: Sharpee Slides and cover slips Gloves, & goggles water and dropper Microscope fungi samples Demonstration Slides: (write the names here – they will be on the board) Methods:

1. View the indicated samples under the stereoscope. Look for the fruiting bodies that stick up over the surface. Indicate the sample identifications and draw what you see in the lab results.

2. Preparing a Slide

a. Label slide with sample identification b. Add one drop of deionized water to the slide. c. Using a sterile loop, transfer a small amount of fungal structures to the slide. d. Carefully add a cover slip.

3. Observe all prepared slides under the microscope at all magnifications except oil

immersion. Look for hyphae and fruiting bodies. Notice whether the hyphae have divisions. Draw what you see.

Results: Label and draw all the samples, making sure you draw the fruiting bodies. Identify each drawing with the category of the fungi. If the fungal sample is not labeled, make an educated guess.