January 27

Lab 2: Meet the Ciliates

Date: 1/26/2017

Title: Lab 2: Meet the Ciliates

Goal: Observe, identify, and characterize ciliates according to shape, size, movement, and location using a dissecting microscope.

Background: We researched proper lab procedures and studied laboratory safety. We researched ciliates and their importance.

Procedures:

  1. Clean desk with 10% bleach solution in spray bottles
  2. Obtain a clean 24-well plate
  3. Using the provided plastic pipette, place each unknown into separate well. *Note: Document which unknown you placed in which well. Fill wells about half full. **NOTE: it is important to keep the unknown cultures pure- do not use the same plastic pipette on more than one unknown! Only use the pipettes provided with each culture
  4. Observe each unknown under the dissecting microscope and fill out the table to the best of your ability.
  5. Make a detailed sketch of each ciliate, and provide a tentative identification along with your reasoning.
  6. Tape your observations and notes into your lab notebook and show your work to an instructor.
  7. Discuss the “Questions That Matter” with your group, write your answers, and turn in to your T.A.

Observations:

Unknown # Shape Relative size Movement Location in Media Other characteristics
E in A1 -trumpet shaped

-sometimes bell-shaped

-spherical bodies

 150-3000 microliters -free swimming

-spiral movement

 surrounding detritus or some organic matter green
 D in A2  – oval shaped  30-220 microliters -free swimming, spiraling  all over the well  very small
 C in A3  – elongated, oval shaped, ovoid  60-300 microliters -free-swimming  all over the well  light purple color
 B in A4  -elongated, no spine  200-300 microliters  -free-swimming, back and forth movement, circular movement  along the rim of the well  very thin and worm-like
 A in A5  -elongated, twisted, no spine  30-300 microliters  -free-swimming, spiral movement  all over the well  thin

Data Analysis:

  • Unknown E in A1: Stentor
  • Unknown D in A2: Euplotes
  • Unknown C in A3: Blepharisma
  • Unknown B in A4: Spirostomum
  • Unknown A in A5: Paramecium

Next steps: Read the lab procedure more carefully next time. Learn more about ciliate behavior and movement.

Category: jennifer_winn1's notebook | LEAVE A COMMENT
January 26

Lab 2 : Ciliate Challenge

Date: 1/19/2017

Title: Lab 2 – Ciliate Challenge

Goals:

To observe five samples of ciliates through a light microscope, focus on size, shape, movement, location and characteristics, then identify them.

Background:

Researched ciliates, their uses and importance in the frame work of biodiversity.

Procedures:

  1. Use a diluted 10 % bleach solution to clean the desk from anything that can affect our ciliate samples or the experiment as a whole
  2. Get a 24-well plate to put your samples in it. Makes sure to write your name on it so that it does not get mixed up with someone else’s or any other experiment.
  3. Using the designated pipet put the solutions of the samples A through E in a separate well each. Put solution up to approximately half of the well. Make sure not to use the same pipet for different samples. Note in which well you put which Unknown to keep your findings and observations organized.
  4. Start observing Samples A-E through a light microscope. For each sample make a sketch and observe characteristics pertaining: Shape, Relative Size, Movement, Location in the Media, and other general characteristics.
  5. Compare observations and sketches of the Unknowns to the researched ciliates and draw conclusions.

Observations:

Sample Shape Size Movement Location in Media Other Observations
Unknown A Small and slightly circular Tiny, extremely small Move around really fast with high frequency Are everywhere in the solution Greenish color, move every direction
Unknown B Thin and long, looks like rice Small but not tiny Slow compared to others Seem to swim/stick to the edges Only a few can be seen
Unknown C Are fat from the middle but thin at the ends Small, slightly medium Move in slow motion in a way Where somewhat dispersed Marron or darker than others
Unknown D Thin and miniscule, oval shaped The smallest, tiny Move around very slowly Everywhere in the medium Changed direction a lot
Unknown E Relatively big, look like a cone Somewhat large compared to the rest Not constantly moving but swim a lot of direction Around edges Small number of them

Data Analysis:

Unknown Ciliate
A Paramecium
B Spirostomum
C Blepharisma
D Euplotes
E Stentor

Next Step:

Try to figure out what impacts the ciliates behavior or movement specifically.

Category: Dareen's Notebook | LEAVE A COMMENT
January 26

Lab 2 – Ciliate Challenge

Date: 1/26/17

Title: Lab 2 – Ciliate Challenge

Hypothesis or Goal: Our goal for this lab was to observe various types of ciliates.

Background: First we educated ourselves on lab safetey.

Procedures: A sample from each letter of test tube was placed in a corresponding dish.  Then each was observed, noted, and drawn.

Observations: Each type of ciliate was different from the last.  Most of them were of medium size and speed, but there were a few outliers.  One of these was long big and slow.  Another was large and spherical.

 

Category: benjamin_hamilton's notebook | LEAVE A COMMENT
January 26

Meet the Ciliates

Lab 2: Ciliate Challenge
January 23, 2017

Goals:

  • Understanding the idea behind constructivist learning
  • Learning to use the dissecting microscope correctly
  • Observing and characterizing ciliates using the microscope

Procedure:

  • Clean desks with 10% bleach
  • Obtain clean 24-well plate
  • Place each unknown into a separate well using the provided plastic pipette. Make a note of which unknown was placed in each well.
    • KEEP THE UNKNOWN CULTURES PURE
  • Observe each unknown under the microscope and fill out the table with as much detail as possible
  • Make a detailed sketch of each ciliate and provide an identification along with an explanation

Observations:

  • Unknown A – A1: Paramecium
    • Shape: oblong
    • Size: short and small
    • Movement: swimming
    • Location: there were a lot ad most of them concentrated towards the top
    • Other: round, not very thin; light- almost see through
  • Unknown B – A2: Spirostomum
    • Shape: long and thin, like a hose
    • Size: small, but long
    • Movement: most of them were swimming, while some were flipping
    • Location: there were not as many as the first ones and these tended to be concentrated towards the bottom
    • Other: dark, almost black
  • Unknown C -A3: Blepharisma
    • Shape: they appeared flat from the sides, and had uneven edges from the top
    • Size: relatively small
    • Movement: floating and swimming
    • Location: mainly on the surface
    • Other: had a reddish-purple color
  • Unknown D – A4: Euplotes
    • Shape: round, with never edges
    • Size: small
    • Movement: floating around; looked like they had no control over where they went
    • Location: there were not as many as the previous ones
    • Other: resembled flakes
  • Unknown E- A5: Stentor
    • Shape: trumpet or bell shaped
    • Size: small
    • Movement: spinning around; swimming
    • Location: when swimming, they were closer to the surface and the rest were towards the bottom
    • Other: greenish-brown

Ideas for future experiments and next steps:

  • Take pictures for the “Raw experimental data”
  • Be more detailed in my descriptions
  • Learn how to use the microscope better
Category: areanna's notebook | LEAVE A COMMENT
January 26

Lab 3 – Primary Literature and Experimental Design

1/26/2017

Primary Literature and Experimental Design

Goal/Rationale:

The purpose of Lab 3 was to experience using a dissecting microscope and a compound microscope, practice measuring volume with a serological pipette and micropipettor, familiarize ourselves with Tetrahymena, and review the process of formatting a scientific paper.

Background:

These goals were accomplished through the introductory PowerPoint of the CX21 and the CX23, learning how to focus the microscopes with given slides, using pipettes to obtain different volumes of water in sample beakers, observing Tetrahymena on a compound microscope, and completing the Pre-lab reading assignments.

Procedures:

Microscopy

  • Observe last weeks cultures in 24 well plates (Alive)
  • Chose well A1, unknown sample A (Paramecium)
  • Transferred to watch glass with bulb pipette (TMTC)
  • Moved protists from watch glass to concavity slide
  • Observed cultures on 10x and 40x objectives
  • Protists were alive and moving about as before

Measurements

  • Practiced pipetting different quantities of water between beaker and tube
  • Used pipettes with different capacities (ex. p1000, p100/200)

Tetrahymena

  • Transferred 100 microliters of the stock Tetrahymena to well with 400 microliters of PPT media
  • Transferred 50 microliters to the watch glass
  • Tetrahymena were small, circular, and oval-like (TMTC); spiral-motion and condensed
  • Transferred 20 microliters to the compound scope, observed using concavity slide

         

Storage:

Upon final observations of the Tetrahymena, my 24 well plate (labeled with my name and lab section information) was returned to the culture cabinet storage.

Future Experiments:

In preparation for Lab 4, in which we will begin the 4-week experimentation process, I have begun to brainstorm how I would personally go about testing the effect of toxins on the soil community, with the use of Tetrahymena as the indicator species. I would first begin by acquiring different rodenticides (Warfarin, Bromethalin, Zinc Phosphide, etc.), because these chemicals often times end up in soil, and then mix them, in differing concentrations, with the Tetrahymena. I would then observe the immediate impact, changes in behavior, and changes in movement of the Tetrahymena.

Category: davis_bullock's notebook | LEAVE A COMMENT
January 26

Lab 2 – Ciliate Challenge

19 Jan. 2017

Meet the Ciliates

Goal: Observing and identifying well-known ciliates to better understand general ciliate behaviors and characteristics.

Background: Researchers want a basic understanding of known ciliates before further studies of more complex and less-researched ciliates.

Procedure: The 24-well plate was placed under a dissecting microscope and five types of ciliates were observed – each place in a unique solution within a given well. Then, the visible characteristics of each type of ciliate were recorded and sketches were drawn on the outward physical appearance of each ciliate type. These sketches and recordings of characteristics were then compared to known data of five types of ciliates. The overall task was to match the observed ciliate to its known identity.

Raw Experimental Data: 

Sample A – Relatively clear exterior, interior structures visible. Relatively short in size, movement is fast when straight. Able to change direction, but the action is slow and seems to follow spiral pattern. Ciliate is seen throughout the media and the population is very dense within the sample.

Sample B – This ciliate has a relatively large size and has fast movements, seemingly shooting from one area of the media to another. It seems to spin in circles in an attempt to escape and somersaults vertically when in the center of the media. It is most attracted to the walls of the well and has a very sparse density within the solution.

Sample C – This ciliate is medium-sized and has fairly quick movement. While most movements are straight, the head moves side to side to change direction. It has a very dense population within the media, with the majority of ciliates staying near the surface, though some are found in other layers.

Sample D – This was the smallest ciliate, with a wide range of motion. The movement seemed almost like a kite in the wind, the sparse population occupying the top and middle striated layers.

Sample E – This was one of the larger ciliates, moving in a distinctly spiral fashion throughout the media. This ciliate stayed near the surface and had interesting coloring of a blueish outside with yellow internal detail.

Data Analysis: Upon consideration, Sample A’s ciliate was considered to be bleparisma. Sample B was identified as spirostomum, while Sample C is considered to have contained paramecium. Finally, Sample D was identified as euplotes and Sample E as stentor.

Next Steps: Now that students are more familiar with the basic movement patterns and other behaviors of soil ciliates, further research on less well-known ciliates will be more informed and the researchers will have benefitted from the current shared knowledge of the basics of soil ciliates. This exercise can now lead to research of more complex and less-understood soil ciliates.

Category: elizabeth_mcelroy's notebook | LEAVE A COMMENT
January 26

Lab 2: Meet the Ciliates

Student:
Taylor Hutcheson

Date:
19 January 2017

Title:
Meet the Ciliates

Goals:

  • To observe the different groups of ciliates and their characteristics so as to identify their subphylum.
  • To become familiar with the use of the dissection microscope as well as the methods of observation.

Procedure:

  1. Clean the work areas with 10% bleach solution.
  2. Obtain a clean 24-well plate.
  3. Using the plastic pipette, place each unknown into each separate well until it is about halfway full. It is important that, during this process, the well in which the unknown is placed is carefully recording.
  4. Observe each unknown under the dissecting microscope and fill out the table as detailed as possible.
  5. Make a detailed sketch of each ciliate, and provide a tentative identification along with the reasoning behind this identification.
  6. Tape your observations and notes into your lab notebook.
  7. Discuss the “Questions That Matter” with your group.

Observations & Data Analysis:

Unknown A: Paramecium – A1

  • Relatively small
  • Thin, oblong shape
  • Swim by moving back and forth in a spinning motion
  • Dispersed throughout the solution
  • Move in XYZ directions

Unknown B: Spirostomum – A2

  • Relatively large
  • Thick, long noodle shape
  • Swim by moving back and forth in a spinning motion
  • Do not spin or swim as often or as objectively relative to Unknown A
  • Not as populated
  • Move in XYZ directions

Unknown C: Blepharisma – A3

  • Relatively medium in size
  • Thicker in the middle
  • Swim by moving back and forth in a spinning motion
  • Swimming motion is relatively slow
  • Float more often than spin
  • Fairly populated and dispersed throughout the solution
  • Do not seem to dive as much as other ciliates, so do not necessarily move in the XYZ directions

Unknown D: Euplotes – A4

  • Relatively small
  • Thick, flakey shape
  • Swim in rapid spins and flips
  • Move forward in short bursts rather than a consistent rate
  • Change direction often
  • Not as populated
  • Move in and out of the field of view
  • Move in XYZ directions

Unknown E: Stentor – A5

  • Relatively large
  • Tadpole shaped
  • Thick cylindrical heads with tails
  • Swim at a consistent rate for a few bursts before taking a break
  • Do not change direction as often
  • Possibly the least populated
  • Move in XYZ directions

Next Steps:

One may attempt to recreate the environment in which these different ciliate groups live in so as to observe their reactions to other substances as well as their functions. One may also wish to observe the ciliate’s reactions to environmental changes such as change in temperature and pH.

Category: Notebook Category, taylor_hutcheson's notebook | LEAVE A COMMENT
January 26

Lab 2 – Ciliate Challenge

Date: January 19, 2017

Ciliate Challenge

Hypothesis or Goal: Our goal was to identify different types of ciliates.

Background: Before performing this lab we had to be acquainted with dissecting microscopes and basic lab procedures.

Procedures: We used a 24 well plate and poured various cultures of ciliates into different wells. We then placed the different wells under a dissecting microscope and wrote our observations.

Observations: Our group was able to successfully identify the different ciliate types by cross-referencing our notes on the various species with articles and pictures provided.

In our next lab we will covering primary research and experimental design.

Category: tony_ray's notebook | LEAVE A COMMENT
January 26

Lab 2 – Ciliate Challenge

Date: 1/19/17

Title: Cilliate Challenge

Goal:

  • Discuss the concept of constructive learning.
  • Become more familiar with the dissecting microscope by identifying 5 unknown ciliates based on a variety of factors.

Background:

This is an introductory experiment which serves the purpose of teaching skills to be used in future labs this semester. Using a dissecting microscope will be essential for future experiments we will be doing. This lab will build a skill base that will be used for the rest of the semester.

Procedures:

  • Clean desk with 10% bleach solution.
  • Obtain a clean 24-well plate.
  • Using the provided plastic pipettes, place each unknown into a separate well. Note which unknown is in which well and fill each half full. To keep the samples pure, make sure to use a different pipette for each unknown sample.
  • Observe each unknown under the dissecting microscope and fill out the table to the best of your ability. The more details observed and noted, the easier the unknown will be to identify.
  • Make a detailed sketch of each of the ciliates and provide a tentative identification along with your reasoning behind your choice.
  • Put the 24-well plate in the cabinet and clean your workspace along with any materials used.

Observations/Raw Experimental Data:

Unknown A (well A1):

  • Small and ovular
  • Fast free swimmer; spiral motion
  • Constantly moving across well
  • Oral groove

Unknown B (well A2):

  • Larger, thin, and long
  • Slow free swimmer
  • Lingers around edges of well

Unknown C (well A3):

  • Small and banana shaped
  • Slow free swimmer
  • Moves around well freely
  • Adoral membranelles

Unknown (well A4):

  • Tiny and ovular/circular
  • Free swimmer; jerky spinning movements
  • Lingers around edges of well

Unknown E (well A5):

  • Large and cone shaped
  • Slow free swimmer
  • Attaches to algae for feeding

Conclusion:

Based on the observations I was able to use the provided packet to determine what each ciliate each unknown was. I determined the following.

Unknown A was the ciliate Paramecium.

Unknown B was the ciliate Spirostomum.

Unknown C was the ciliate Blephorisma.

Unknown D was the ciliate Euplotes.

Unknown E was the ciliate Sentor.

Ideas For Future Experiments:

Given more time the eating behaviors could have possibly been observed as well as other general behavioral patterns. This would allow for more definitive identification of the ciliates

 

Category: drew_austin's notebook | LEAVE A COMMENT
January 26

Lab 2: Meet the Ciliates

Date:1/19/17

Rationale: Through this experiment, we were searching to have a general introduction to an array of Ciliates while becoming familiar with how to use a dissecting microscope.

Procedures:

  1. Clean workspace with 10% bleach solution in spray bottles
  2. Obtain clean 24-well plate
  3. Use a plastic pipette to place each unknown into each well and fill halfway. Note which unknown is placed in each well and use one pipette per each culture to prevent cross contamination.
  4. Observe each unknown under dissecting microscope and record observations to the best of your ability.
  5. Sketch each ciliate and browse Ciliate Identification Guide to make a tentative identification.
  6. Put all observations and notes into your lab notebook and show your work to an instructor.
  7. Turn off microscopes.
  8. Place 24-well in the storage cabinet in the back of the room.
  9. Clean workspace using 10% bleach solution.
  10. Discuss “Questions that Matter” handout with group and write down answers; turn in handout once completed.

Observations:

Unknown A

  • In reciprocal A1
  • Oval shaped
  • One of the smaller ciliates observed
  • Moved around very fast and frantically, some stayed still
  • Spread out through the entire well of A1
  • Had a grey/green tinting
  • Name of ciliate through observation: Holosticha

Unknown B

  • In reciprocal A2
  • Thin, long, rod shaped
  • Much longer than the first ciliate
  • Moved around slowly but constantly, sometimes spinning
  • Just one ciliate in the culture, moved around entire media
  • Can see a flap along the ciliate
  • Name of ciliate through observation: Spirostomum

Unknown C

  • In reciprocal A3
  • Small rods with large mid section
  • Medium size, one of the smaller ciliates though
  • Moved around slowly but constantly
  • Many within the culture
  • Red coloring and darker mid section
  • Name of ciliate through observation: Paramecium

Unknown D

  • In reciprocal A4
  • Small, round shaped
  • The smallest of the observed ciliates
  • Moved around the culture very slowly
  • Very few within the culture, moved all around media, slowly
  • Had green tint with dark features, looked to have hairs along one side
  • Name of ciliate through observation: Euplotes

Unknown E

  • In reciprocal A5
  • Long rod shape with circle at the end, looked like a tadpole.
  • Large in comparison to other ciliates observed
  • Moved around slowly and randomly moving
  • Large array of objects in the culture, only a few moving ciliates
  • Had green tint as well as similar hairs on one side to Unknown D
  • Name of ciliate through observation: Stentor

 

Conclusion: This experiment was very interesting due to its capability of allowing us to investigate the broad diversity within the world of ciliates. As we only looked at five of the ciliates out there, it was easy to see that no two are the same and there is a great diversity from one specie to the next. This experiment helped us to  understand how to use the dissecting microscopes in order to analyze different specimens. I found it very fascinating to witness the difference in sizes, colors, motions and overall features of each of the Ciliates.  To further examine these Ciliates, I will now go into further detail to assure that I have documented and labelled each of the Ciliates correctly and will cross examine theses ciliates with others to make sure I have made the appropriate conclusions in labelling.

Storage: My ciliates from this experiment are stored in the back cabinet of the classroom. My 24 well plate is labeled with Brooke, BVH, Section 4, and Spring ’17. This will keep my cultures safe until further analysis.

 

 

Category: brooke_vander_hey's notebook | LEAVE A COMMENT