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2.6: Observation of Microorganisms

  • Page ID
    24141
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    Kingdom: Protista

    Members of the kingdom Protista are single celled eukaryotic organisms. They have a nucleus and a complex internal cellular structure. The microorganisms you will view today are commonly found in pond water. The kingdom Protista is divided in phyla based in part on the different organelles that enable motility. Flagella are long whip like tails. Cilia, much shorter though more numerous than flagella, beat like little oars. A pseudopod is a cytoplasmic extension that acts as a “false foot”. In addition to many Protists you may also see bacteria and multicellular animals called rotifers.

    question

    What domain do members of the kingdom, Protista, belong to?

    1. Prepare a wet mount of microorganisms by adding 1 drop of the culture to a clean slide. Cover with cover slip. Do NOT add methylene blue to these living organisms.
    2. Observe under scan, then low power. Do you see any structures inside the organism? Try to observe using high power. Confirm the observation with your instructor.
    3.  
    4.  

    Vinegar Eels

    Vinegar Eels, Tubatris aceti, are small animals found in the nematode phylum.

    question

    What domain and kingdom do Vinegar Eels belong to?

    Sketch vinegar eels

    Laboratory Clean up

    Click the scan objective lens into place, wrap the cord securely, and return the microscope to the cabinet

    Dispose of slides in the sharps container

    The letter e slide is not discarded

    Clean the lab bench area replacing items as directed by the instructor

    Do not leave any items in the sink or on the lab bench

    Wash your hands before leaving the laboratory


    This page titled 2.6: Observation of Microorganisms is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Ellen Genovesi, Laura Blinderman, & Patrick Natale via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform; a detailed edit history is available upon request.