Lab 4: Meeting Tetrahymena 09/13/2018
Objective:
The objective of Lab 4: Meeting Tetrahymena was to gain familiarity with micropipetting techniques and Tetrahymenas. Also, we worked on accessing and researching primary scientific literature in order to investigate microplatics and their effects on soil ciliates such as Tetrahymenas.
Procedure:
- Make sure the table is clear and clean.
- Place 24 well plate given by the instructors containing a Tetrahymena solution under the dissecting microscope and fine the Tetrahymenas.
- Put a sterile tip onto the end of a 5 μl micropipette.
- Take 5 μl out of the Tetrahymena solution and put it on a concave slide.
- Put the concave slide under a compound microscope then observe and record observations/data.
- Clean area and put up equipment properly.
- Once the lab is clean, go to the computer lab, and in groups of three search through primary scientific literature to find ideas for possible research ideas/experiments.
Results at 10x Magnification:
| Trial | Approximate Number of Cells in 5 μl | Approximate Diameter of Cell |
| 2 | 150 | 200 μm |
| 2 | 150 | 200 μm |
Sketch of Tetrahymena: 
Conclusion:
In lab 4: Meeting Tetrahymena, we practiced micropipetting (Tetrahymena) solutions, first onto a dish and then onto concave slides. This will be helpful in future labs as we conduct research and experiment ciliates in tiny proportions. We also worked with dissecting and compound microscopes while observing the Tetrahymenas, observing that they are small ciliates that move in quick, spiraling motions while improving our microscopic skills at the same time. At the end of the lab when we were searching for primary scientific literature to help us with our research, we discovered and read over several articles that can potentially help with the research/research experiments we will be conduction later on. The ability to properly find a relevant, trustworthy source will improve our researching knowledge and results as we further investigate ciliates throughout the remainder of the lab.
Future goals:
In the future, I would like to further my knowledge on, and research, the effect of microplastics in our soil, the ciliates inside it, and more specifically Tetrahymenas. I believe that microplastics are going to be a huge focus for science in our generation and I look forward to doing as much research on them, and their effects on our life, as possible.