BIOL-2230-MICRO-LAB-8-Module-15-16.doc 10/25/07 Page 1 of 2
BIOL 2230 Micro Lab 8 Reeder
Module 15
Objectives 1-8
Activities: 1 Each group inoculates 2 SDA plates: 1 each of Sc (25-30° C) and Ca
(37° C); each group has 1 plate of Sc and 1 plate of Ca to observe at 48
hours through next lab meeting
Note similar colonial appearance to bacteria
2 Group: each table uses 2 screw cap tubes and 1, 10ml pipette
3 Group: each table uses 3 screw cap tubes, scissors, glass stirring rod
* cleanliness, but not strict asepsis
Module 16
Objectives 2-4, 9
Activities: 4 Group: each table inoculates 2 SDA plates; 1 for Rs (+ and – strain), 1 for Pn
(dot inoculation)
Rhizopus Zygospore Kit: Use the following directions for the Rs (+ and –
strains) plate:
Rhizopus is an excellent organism for demonstrating conjugation
because of the large number of zygospores formed. With top lighting, the
black zygospores (sexual spores) are easy to differentiate from the gray-
black sporangia (asexual spores).
Using a sterile inoculating loop, aseptically place a small amount of
the plus strain mycelium on one side of the agar plate and the minus strain
on the opposite side of the plate. Write the name of the organism and the
date on the dish. Incubate for 3 to 7 days at room temperature. Once the
two strains touch, observe daily. The dark row of zygospores will form at
the line of contact. Describe and/or draw your results.
When looking for the zygospores with a microscope, it may be
necessary to part the mycelium with forceps or a teasing needle. The
zygospores will form on the agar surface and will be hidden under the
mycelium which has overgrown them. To see zygospores, hold the plate
upside down and look towards the light. If zygospores are present, they can
be seen in the center as black dots.
