Christina Clark

November 5, 2018

Lab 12 Discovering Ciliates

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of lab 12 was to build the knowledge of Ciliate structure, function, and taxonomy by observing soil ciliates in order to identify them by their morphological characters. We also were looking at the classes of ciliates and their relation to the tree of life. This is important to know the diversity of ciliates and their role in the environment.

PROCEDURE

Soil Sample:

1. Take 4ml of the original soil sample and place in a Falcon tube.
2. Fill the Falcon tube until the volume reaches the 10 ml mark.
3. Place on vortex for 10 seconds.
4. Put one drop of dispersing agent into the mixture.
5. Place on vortex for 10 seconds.
6. Label the tube and store.

Unknown Soil Ciliate Investigation

1. Take the Petri dish of the rehydrated soil sample.
2. Add 20 ml sample to a flat slide and observe under a compound microscope. Confirm that there are ciliates in the sample.
3. Add 10 ml of methyl cellulose to the sample and mix by slowly pipetting up and down.
4. Record observations and take a picture.

RESULTS

They are clear and small. They move slowly and change directions often.

STORAGE

The Falcon tube was stored at room temperature; sitting upright in a test tube rack. The bag of soil and the Petri dish were both stored at room temperature inside the lab.

CONCLUSION

I was only able to find two of the same ciliates in my sample. They are very small and clear, and I was unable to observe enough of their behavior to be able to identify them. They were ovular and moved slowly; changing directions often. However, I was able to take a picture of them.

FUTURE STEPS

In the future, I would like to be able to observe how these ciliates benefit or hinder our environment and understand their purpose to our ecosystem.