Lab 2: Ciliate Challenge 8/31/18
Objective:
The objective of the ciliate challenge is to individually view ciliates in a cup pallet holder using a dissecting microscope. Also, we have to try to identify the ciliates based on comparing our observations to the pictures provided in the lab binders found in the lab table drawers.
Purpose:
The purpose of the ciliate challenge is to observe the six unknown ciliates and their characteristics. We have to record our data in categories like shape, size, movement, etc…The ciliate challenge introduces us to what we will be looking forward to in the future and gives us our first impressions on ciliates.
Procedure:
- Set up the dissecting microscope by removing the protective bag, plugging it in, and then turning the light on.
- Obtain the test tube holder with the test tubes that contain the ciliate samples and obtain pipettes too. Then, obtain the cup pallet that the samples will go in.
- Use the pipettes to transfer the ciliate samples from the test tubes to the cup pallet. Make sure that you use the right pipette and the right test tube. (they correspond in numbers, ex: pipette #1 and test tube #1)
- Place the cup pallet with the ciliate samples on to the stage of the dissecting microscope and start viewing the ciliates. Make sure you know which ciliate you are viewing
- When viewing the ciliates, use the zoom control knob to adjust the magnification and use the focusing knob to adjust the focus.
- Record your data in your lab notebook and sketch the ciliate.
- Move the cup pallet around to view the other ciliate and then repeat steps 5 and 6.
Data
| Unknown # | Shape | Relative Size | Movement | Location |
Other Characteristics |
| 1-Metopus | Resembles small fish in schools | Smallest out of the 6 ciliates (32x magnification) | Fast (fishlike) | Underwater | Has a dorsal fin that extends out into a tail |
| 2-Euplotes | Resembles a house fly | Relatively smaller than a house fly | Medium circular movement | Floating on water | Has a wing that resembles a butterfly |
| 3-Paramecelum | Rod-shaped | Size of a sprinkle at 40x magnification | Fast (fishlike) | Underwater | Contorted in structure |
| 4-Frontonia | Resembles a sprinkle | Same as ciliate 3 at 40x magnification | Fast (fishlike) | Underwater | Has small dots that appear to be organelles |
| 5-Spirostomum | Resembles a worm | Worm-sized or dot-sized at 12x magnification | Moderately slow (wormlike) | Bottom of cup | Can change in size (dot or worm). One end looks like a straw end |
| 6-Stenor | Resembles a tadpole | Size of a small tadpole at 20x magnification | Rotates when it moves (medium speed) | Underwater | Rotates and jiggles when it moves |
Storage
The ciliate samples in our cup pallet were rinsed out over the sink. The cup pallets were then placed upside down over a layer of paper towel on the side tables. The test tube holder with the test tubes and the pipettes were put back where it was in the first place. We turned the dissecting microscope light off, unplugged it, and put the protective bag back on it.
Future Goals
Conserve more time so I can make better sketches and clean up more efficiently, and observe more characteristics of the ciliates because 40x magnification is not enough to see organelles of ciliates.
Tyler Kingston Bio11o5 Section 33