Lab: (U3 M2) Tabletop Lab Fungi Diversity
Fungi are recognized by several features; they are eukaryotic, heterotrophic, organized with threadlike cells called hyphae, and reproduce using spores. Hyphae often interweave with one another to form a three-dimensional body called a mycelium, but, if present, such a structure represents only a small percentage of the entire body. This Lab will introduce you to the subtleties of fungal life and how fungi are similar and different from true plants.
You will need one document to complete this Lab:
Tabletop Lab Procedures - Fungi Diversity (Google Doc)
- It is recommended that you print out this document as you complete the Lab Report.
CU3 M2 Lab Report (Google Doc)
- Once complete, you will submit this document for grading.
You will need two resources in addition to the Lab procedures.
- To view and identify some representative fungi, you will watch this slideshow of fungi: Gallery of Mushrooms (Google PPT)
- To view magnified images of several fungi specimens, you will go to this website: Dr. Gans’ blog post on fungi microscopy (Webpage)
In addition to the spore print that you were instructed to prepare in the previous Module, this Lab requires several "at home" supplies. Be sure to have these on hand when you are ready to start this Lab:
- 6” ruler with centimeters
- Kitchen knife and cutting board
- 1 mature mushroom (with gills visible) – purchased fresh from grocery store
- Several Lichen specimens collected from your yard or local park (or online images of various lichen species that are native to your area)
- Hand lens or magnifying glass
- Spore print you set up in preparation for this Module.