9/13/18

 Meeting Tetrahymena

Objectives:

In this lab, students will learn about the model organism Tetrahymena and why it is consider the model organism. Students will practice the proper techniques for using a micropipette. Finally, students will begin to research scientific literature to create a hypothesis about microplastics and ciliates, using the databases (PubMed or OneSearch) for a future experiment.

Purpose:

The purpose of learning about the model organism, Tetrahymena, is to understand the characteristics of this organism, which will be used for the future experiment. The understanding of the proper use of micropipette helps us know the correct way to transfer the organisms for labs and become familiarized with the device. The purpose of research was to create a hypothesis for our future experiment.

Procedures:

1. Before beginning the lab, make sure the lab station is clean and ready for the lab experiment. Ensure the equipment is working and ready for proper use.
2. After obtaining a 24-well plate, transfer 100µl of Tetrahymena stock culture into a clean well using a micropipette. Make sure the correct micropipette tip is placed on the micropipette.
3. Observe the Tetrahymena in the 24-well plate using the dissecting microscope. Adjust and focus the microscope for clear observations of ciliates.
4. Grab the micropipette and regulate it to 5µl, then place a sterile tip on the end of the micropipette. Make sure the correct micropipette tip is placed on the micropipette.
5. Extract 5µl of the ciliate sample from the well plate and place it on the concavity slide.
6. After making the slide, turn off and unplug the dissecting microscope. Obtain the compound microscope, plug it in, and turn on the microscope.
7. Place the concavity slide on the stage of the microscope and adjust the microscope for better view. Use a cover slip if you go past the 4x magnification.
8. Record the observations. Take notice of the characteristics of the ciliates.
9. After completing the lab, clean the slides and place them in the proper container.
10. Once the physical lab is done, form small groups (3-4 people) and find a computer.
11. Begin researching about the effects of micro plastics on ciliates.

Observations:

Trials	Number of Cells in 5µl	Approximate Diameter of the cell	Drawing
1	≈ 120	16µm

*Time allotted for only one trial.

Storage:

Turn off the compound and dissecting microscopes by unplugging the cord. Wrap the cord around the arm of the microscopes and put the plastic cover over them. Once you finish cleaning the slides, place them in the slide container for reuse. Place the used pipette tips in the designated containers.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, this lab experiment prepared students on how to access reliable scientific literature for the future experiment. The previous lessons on scientific literature helped students identify the correct articles and condensing the search of the topic. The lab skills and techniques acquired in lab will be utilized heavily in the upcoming labs, which will improve our lab skills.

Future Steps:

In the future, I will be more aware of the time because I didn’t have enough time to fully complete the lab before continuing to the computer lab part. Although I achieved the objectives of the lab, the data wasn’t as accurate as it could have been. My group and I plan to research the impact of microplastics on ciliates. I look forward to the data and conclusions that will be made from this upcoming experiment.