User:Liam Purdy/Notebook/Biology 210 at AU

January 28, 2015

      Lab 2: Identifying Algae and Protists

The main focus of laboratory 2 was to gain the ability to properly identify the differences between protists and algae. In specific, the ability to correctly use a dichotomous key to accurately identify microscopic organisms. Our group was instructed to collect water samples from various areas of our Hay-Infusion ecosystems and analyze the slides under a microscope. We then had to identify the organisms present in each slide using the dichotomous key.

Once our Hay-Infusion was retrieved, the lab book instructed us to analyze how it looked and smelt. The smell was absolutely terrible, resembling only what can be described as an old garbage can left in the sun. The water that was originally clear has turned a disgusting murky green/brown. The soil that we had collected had sunken to the bottom of the mixture and some of the heavier leaves floated in the middle. On top where lighter leaves that had turned a blackish color that showed that they were breeding ground for bacteria. While no visible mold or bacteria were present, on the water, the sides of the jar had gathered a creamy white looking substance that was more than likely mold. Also, the top layer of the jar seemed to have a thick film over it, again probably containing numerous types of bacteria.

Photo 1: This is a photo of my group's Hay-Infusion after sitting for a week (side view).

Photo 2: This is a photo of our Hay-Infusion after sitting for a week (top view).

We decided to collect three samples, instead of only two, from the top of the ecosystem, the middle off of a sunken leaf (the leaf had sunken from the top of the Hay-Infusion when the transfer pipette was taking samples from the bottom of the ecosystem. This is why we decided to take a middle sample.), and the bottom from the top of the settled soil. Once each sample was examined, we used the dichotomous key to identify the organisms that we saw. The top sample contained Colpidium (55um), Chlamydoma (9um), and Eudorina (7um). The middle sample contained Colpidium from the top of a sunken leaf. The bottom sample contained Colpidium and Actinospherium (73um). Each of these organisms were motile, which made it slightly difficult to effectively classify them. If our culture was left to grow for 2 more months, and hopefully it will be, I believe that a whole new variety of bacteria would appear, and even more complex ones than the ones that are currently present. I believe that a lot of mold would be present in the jar and in the water, and the water line of the jar would drop drastically. I believe that the leaves would begin to deteriorate from being broken down be the bacteria and the water. Pressure put on the ecosystem would begin to multiply with a drastic increase in the amount of organisms present in the ecosystem. The organisms will have to fight for food and nutrients while also getting the best spots to attract the most light for photosynthesis to occur. The final part of this lab was to create and plate a serial dilution of our Hay Infusion Ecosystem. This was done by first swirling the Hay Infusion, and then removing 100 ul and transferring it to 10 mLs of sterile broth. This created a 10^-2 dilution in this tube. 100 ul of the 10^-2 diluted to a second tube of 10 mL sterile broth; this created a 10^-4 dilution. This process was then repeated two more times for a 10^-6 and 10^-8 dilution. 100 ul of each diluted test tube were then put on two separate agar plates, one with the antibacterial, Tetracycline, and one without it. The diluted mixture was then spread around their respective plates and allowed to grow for the next week.

Photo 3: This is a hand drawn photo of the serial dilution process:

January 25, 2015 Liam Purdy:

       Lab 1: Biological Life at AU

In today's lab, we examined the variations in organisms of the same species that can occur due to evolution. In specific, we examined specimens that were each members of Chlorophyta, a green algae group. The specific line that was examined was the Volvocine Line. Three members of this line were examined in this experiment in order of their evolutionary complexity; Chlamydomonas, Gonium, and Volvox; characteristics of group of organisms were then recorded in the lab book.

The second portion of this lab was to go outside and examine our group's designated transects. My group received Transect 3, which was located by the bronze AU Eagle statue and referred to as "Tall Bushes". Transect 3 is located right outside of AU's Bender Arena and is the surrounding environment to a small circle with benches for students tot sit and relax in. Because the are has tall foliage, it isn't uncommon for smoking students to enter this secluded area, which in turn means that cigarettes butts are a common cite. The transect is surrounded by concrete sidewalk with more natural features in the center. The middle of this transect is comprised of multiple bushes of various sizes that range from very short, floor hugging bushes to taller thornier bushes. The ground is made of wood chip and dirt, which was relatively frozen due to the recent snow storm.

Photo 1: This photo is taken from the South corner.

Photo 2: This photo is taken from the East corner.

Photo 3: This photo is taken from the North corner

Photo 4: This photo is taken from the West corner.

Photo 5: The following image is a hand-drawn arial view of transect 3:

While at our Transect, our group took note of the biotic and abiotic features of the area.

Abiotic Factors: Lampost (2x) Sidewalk/ Concrete Sprinklers (3x) Soil Snow and ice Electrical wires (For the lampposts)

Biotic Factors: Tall and short bushes Wood chips Fallen leaves Low-lying Plants 1 tall tree

In the final part of this lab, each group was instructed to collect various biotic and probiotic specimen from their transects. We were then told to take 10 grams of our collected sample and put it in a jar of 500mL water and .1 g dried milk powder. The mixture was then swirled and let sit or the next week.

January 21, 2015 Liam Purdy. Now I found the way! LP