Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following materials is crucial for creating a hay infusion to study microorganisms?
Which of the following materials is crucial for creating a hay infusion to study microorganisms?
- Distilled water
- Artificial growth medium
- Dried hay or grass from a pesticide-free area (correct)
- Sterilized soil
Direct sunlight is ideal for incubating a hay infusion to accelerate microbial growth.
Direct sunlight is ideal for incubating a hay infusion to accelerate microbial growth.
False (B)
What characteristic movement distinguishes Amoeba from other microorganisms?
What characteristic movement distinguishes Amoeba from other microorganisms?
pseudopodia
__________ are trumpet-shaped protozoa known for creating water currents to draw in food particles and often appear vibrant green due to chloroplasts.
__________ are trumpet-shaped protozoa known for creating water currents to draw in food particles and often appear vibrant green due to chloroplasts.
Match each microorganism with its key characteristic:
Match each microorganism with its key characteristic:
Why is it important to use a natural water source (e.g., pond water) rather than tap water in a hay infusion?
Why is it important to use a natural water source (e.g., pond water) rather than tap water in a hay infusion?
Boiling the hay is necessary to introduce nutrients into the water for the microorganisms.
Boiling the hay is necessary to introduce nutrients into the water for the microorganisms.
What is the role of cilia in Paramecium's movement?
What is the role of cilia in Paramecium's movement?
__________, a genus of diatoms, are characterized by elongated, silica-based frustules and are known for their role as primary producers in aquatic ecosystems.
__________, a genus of diatoms, are characterized by elongated, silica-based frustules and are known for their role as primary producers in aquatic ecosystems.
Match the following microorganisms with their feeding mechanisms:
Match the following microorganisms with their feeding mechanisms:
Why is it important to cover the bottle loosely with a breathable material?
Why is it important to cover the bottle loosely with a breathable material?
Shelled-amoebas are exclusively found in marine habitats.
Shelled-amoebas are exclusively found in marine habitats.
What role do copepods play in aquatic food webs?
What role do copepods play in aquatic food webs?
The bottom layer of a hay infusion often contains a high level of microbial diversity due to the accumulation of __________.
The bottom layer of a hay infusion often contains a high level of microbial diversity due to the accumulation of __________.
Match each microorganism with its common habitat:
Match each microorganism with its common habitat:
Which observation indicates microbial growth in a hay infusion?
Which observation indicates microbial growth in a hay infusion?
Algae typically thrive in the middle layer of a hay infusion because of optimal light exposure.
Algae typically thrive in the middle layer of a hay infusion because of optimal light exposure.
What is ecological succession, as demonstrated by the hay infusion experiment?
What is ecological succession, as demonstrated by the hay infusion experiment?
__________ became the dominant player in the middle layer of the hay infusion, showcasing its adaptability and role in this micro-ecosystem.
__________ became the dominant player in the middle layer of the hay infusion, showcasing its adaptability and role in this micro-ecosystem.
Match the microscopic organisms with their characteristics.
Match the microscopic organisms with their characteristics.
Flashcards
Hay infusion
Hay infusion
A method to cultivate a diverse group of microorganisms by infusing hay in water.
Amoeba
Amoeba
Irregularly shaped protozoa that move and feed using pseudopodia.
Euglena
Euglena
Elongated protists with flagella, capable of photosynthesis and nutrient absorption.
Stentor
Stentor
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Paramecium
Paramecium
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Copepod
Copepod
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Rotifers
Rotifers
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Shelled-amoeba
Shelled-amoeba
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Nitzchia
Nitzchia
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Bursaria
Bursaria
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Ecological succession
Ecological succession
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Turbidity
Turbidity
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Study Notes
- This experiment cultivates a diverse microbial community using a hay infusion.
- The microorganisms are identified and observed through microscopy.
- The changes in microbial populations are analyzed over time.
Materials
- Sterilized glass bottle
- Dried, pesticide-free hay or grass
- Natural water source (pond or canal) in a sterile container
- Microscope slides
- Sterile pipettes or droppers
- Light microscope (up to 40/0.65x magnification or higher)
- Digital microscope or camera attachment
Procedure
- Preparation:
- Boil the hay in ~200ml of water for ~10 minutes to sterilize.
- Filter the hay from the water
- Transfer the mixture into a sterilized glass bottle.
- Add the natural water source to the bottle.
- Cover loosely with breathable material for air exchange and to prevent contamination.
- Incubation:
- Place the bottle in a well-lit area with indirect sunlight.
- Observe daily for changes in turbidity, odor, and surface film formation.
- Sampling:
- Starting after weeks of incubation, collect samples with a sterile pipette.
- Place a drop on a clean microscope slide.
- Microscopy:
- Examine samples under a light microscope.
- Start with lower magnifications (20/0.45x).
- Increase magnification (up to 40/0.65x or higher) for detailed observation.
Observed Microorganisms
- Amoeba: Irregularly shaped protozoa that move and feed using pseudopodia; they can change shape and engulf food particles through phagocytosis.
- Euglena: Elongated, flagellated protists with both plant and animal characteristics; they contain chloroplasts for photosynthesis and can also absorb nutrients.
- Stentor: Large, trumpet-shaped protozoa covered in cilia; they create water currents to draw in food particles and are vibrantly green due to chloroplasts.
- Paramecium: Oval-shaped protozoa covered in cilia that facilitate movement; often green due to symbiotic algae or chloroplasts, allowing for photosynthesis.
- Copepod: Small, aquatic crustaceans with a segmented body and antennae; they play a crucial role in aquatic food webs.
- Rotifers: Microscopic multicellular organisms with a crown of cilia (corona) that creates a rotating motion; common in freshwater and known for their resilience.
- Shelled-amoeba: Amoeboid protists encased in a protective shell; they exhibit pseudopodia for movement and feeding, often in marine or freshwater habitats.
- Nitzchia: A genus of diatoms with elongated, silica-based frustules; they are known for their role as primary producers and their distinctive patterns.
- Bursaria: Large, oval-shaped protozoa with a flexible body and cilia; they engulf food particles and play a role in the microbial food web.
Discussion
- The hay infusion experiment illustrates ecological succession in microbial communities.
- The bottom layer becomes a hotspot of diversity due to nutrient accumulation.
- Paramecium dominates in the middle layer, showing adaptability.
- Algae thrive at the bottom, capitalizing on limited light and high nutrient availability.
- This experiment highlights the complexity and balance of microbial interactions.
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