User:Emily R. Lafferman/Notebook/Biology 210 at AU
1/21/15 I love protists!
1/22/15 Identifying Algae & Protists The purpose of this lab was to become familiar with the use of a dichotomous key to identify organisms and in doing so, examine the different characteristics displayed by various algae and protists from Transect 1.
Methods The first procedure focused on learning how to accurately use the dichotomous key to identify known organisms on a wet mount under the microscope. Once comfortable with this skill, the dichotomous key was used to identify unknown organisms under the 4X and 10X objectives. The second procedure involved making wet mounts of samples from the hay infusion culture obtained the week previous. After noting all observations of these samples, the dichotomous key was again used to identify as many present organisms as possible. The third procedure required prepping and plating serial dilutions of samples from the hay infusion culture, once it had been swirled (allowing the settled niches of the organisms to blend). 100 mL tubes of sterile broth were labeled and 100 microliters of the hay infusion culture was micropippeted into the first tube and shaken. 100 microliters was transferred from tube 1 to tube 2 in similar fashion until all four tubes are ready. Agar plates were subsequently labeled and 100 microliters from each tube was transferred to each plate - this process was repeated for the plates containing antibiotic tetracycline. All samples were spread evenly across the plates in a sterile manner to avoid contamination and error. The plates were then set aside to incubate and room temperature for lab 3.
Data, Observations, & Findings Procedure I -unknonwn organism found under microscope was approximately 20 micrometers in length -colorless, swimming quickly with cilia, maintained an ovular body shape -> narrowed down to be colpidium sp
Procedure II: Hay Infusion Culture of Transect 1 sample presented a sour, foul odor, with a green, cloudy marsh-like appearance that had a thin solidified layer on top.
Conclusions Two organisms found in the sample are a part of the Volvocine Line, as the chlamydomonas and volvox identified can be found in environments with characteristics similar to those of Transect 1.
-ERL
1/26/15 Lab 1: Biological Life at AU
The purpose of this lab was to understand the role of natural selection in evolution by observing the traits of organisms that are members of the Volvocine Line under the microscope, as well as observe and record observations of a niche.
Methods In the first half of the experiment living slides of Chlamydomonas, Gonium, and Volvox were examined and observations were recorded in the table below. The mechanisms for motility, ways of reproduction, and colony size were all noted. The second part of the experiment consisted of visiting the assigned Transect on campus to develop our observational skills. A sample was collected in a 50 mL conical tube for a hay infusion culture to be made subsequently, and everything that went into this sample was recorded for later use. Once back to the lab, the culture was made by placing 10 grams of the sample into a large plastic jar along with 500 mLs of deerpark water. 1 gram of dried milk was added to provide food to any living organisms in the sample that may need it. The culture was gently mixed and the jar was left open in the lab for a week, after being labeled “Transect 1”.
Data, Observations & Conclusions All Data collected for the first half of the lab has been recorded in the table below:
Transect 1 considered to be the “Marsh” was full of life, even during the cold season. It is located close to Massachusetts Avenue, containing a drain, where any run-off can go. The ground was relatively soft and wet, due to recent snow-fall, but not yet fully frozen. Both biotic and abiotic components found within the transect were recorded in the table below. A photo of transect 1 has also been provided below. It is likely that once the culture incubates for a week, there will be a wide range of organisms to be found from Transect 1.
ERL
