To Study The Vegetative And Reproductive Structure Of Mucor. | Grade Xi
0APPARATUS REQUIRED:
- Compound microscope
- Glass slides
- Coverslips
- Forceps
- Dissecting needles
- Petri dish
- Potato dextrose agar (PDA)
- Inoculating loop
- Bunsen burner
- Ethanol (70%)
CHEMICAL REQUIRED:
- Cotton Blue in Lactophenol (CBL)
- Lactophenol
- Ethanol (95 %)
THEORY:
Mucor is a genus of common fungi found in soil, air, and decaying organic matter. They are characterized by their rapid growth and simple vegetative and reproductive structures. Mucor species are bread mold, and they can rapidly contaminate food if it is not stored properly.
The vegetative structure of Mucor consists of a branched mycelium. The mycelium consists of hyphae, which are thread-like filaments of fungal cells. Hyphae can be septate, meaning they have cross-walls separating the cells, or aseptate, meaning they do not have cross-walls. Mucor species have aseptate hyphae.
The reproductive structure of Mucor consists of sporangia, which are asexual spores. Sporangia are formed at the tips of specialized hyphae called sporangiophores. Spores are released from the sporangium when it breaks open.
PROCESS:
- Collect a sample of Mucor from a suitable location, such as soil or decaying organic matter.
- Place the sample in a petri dish containing PDA.
- Incubate the petri dish at room temperature for several days.
- Observe the Mucor culture under a compound microscope.
- Use a dissecting needle to remove a small piece of the mycelium from the culture.
- Place the mycelium on a glass slide and add a drop of CBL.
- Cover the mycelium with a coverslip and observe under a compound microscope.
OBSERVATIONS:
- The vegetative structure of Mucor consists of a branched mycelium.
- The mycelium consists of aseptate hyphae.
- The reproductive structure of Mucor consists of sporangia.
- Sporangia are formed at the tips of specialized hyphae called sporangiophores.
- Spores are released from the sporangium when it breaks open.
OBSERVATION TABLE:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Mycelium | Branched, aseptate hyphae |
| Sporangiophores | Specialized hyphae that produce sporangia |
| Sporangia | Asexual spores |
RESULTS:
The results of this experiment confirm the vegetative and reproductive structures of Mucor.
PRECAUTIONS:
- When working with Mucor, it is important to wear gloves and a lab coat.
- Do not inhale the spores of Mucor.
- Dispose of all cultures and materials properly.