Mycological Laboratory Procedures

The most common contaminant during fungal culturing. It exists everywhere, so proper hygiene and sanitation are crucial.

Placing tiny pieces of a fungal colony onto new, sterile media to create a pure culture

A tube made of heat-resistant glass specifically for culturing microorganisms. It's resistant to chemicals and can be sterilized repeatedly.

A cotton plug that goes into a test tube to filter air, preventing contaminants from entering while allowing the fungus to breathe.

Growing fungi in a controlled environment, usually on a nutrient-rich medium, to study their growth and characteristics.

A type of media used for culturing fungi. It's specifically chosen based on the fungus being studied and potential contaminants.

A sterile container with a lid, used to grow colonies of fungi and observe their development.

A process used to purify a fungal culture by isolating a single strain from mixed populations.

Chemicals used to kill microbes on inanimate objects.

Chemicals applied to living tissue to kill microbes.

A method of sterilization that involves using chemicals to kill microbes.

Sterilization method where items are heated to a high temperature to kill microbes.

A type of heat sterilization where objects are heated in a dry environment.

A type of heat sterilization where objects are heated in a moist environment.

Method of sterilization that physically separates microbes from a liquid by passing it through a filter.

A type of filter used in filtration sterilization, made from cellulose ester and used once.

A process that eliminates all living cells and infectious agents from a specific environment. This is crucial for maintaining sterile conditions during experiments to avoid contamination.

A type of heat sterilization where materials are exposed to high-temperature steam under pressure. This effectively kills microorganisms and is commonly used for sterilizing laboratory equipment and media.

These are containers specifically designed to provide controlled temperatures for fungal growth. These incubators create an environment that promotes optimal growth and spore formation for fungal cultures.

A type of microscope that provides a three-dimensional view of objects at lower magnifications. It is ideal for observing larger objects, including fungi, at a macroscopic level.

A sterile environment (room or hood) used for procedures involving sterile equipment and cultures. This controlled space prevents contamination of sterile materials during inoculation and other manipulations.

A method of sterilization using a flame, typically from a Bunsen burner or alcohol lamp, to heat metal tools and glass objects.

A method of sterilization using steam at 100°C (212°F), often used for culture media or substrates that are damaged by higher temperatures. Can be done over three consecutive days for better effect.

A device used to sterilize materials by boiling water under pressure. It creates high temperatures for a specific duration to kill microorganisms.

The process of removing bacteria and other microorganisms from liquids using a membrane filter.

The rate at which a liquid flows through a filter due to gravity.

Using suction to increase the flow rate of liquids through a filter.

A cleaning solution made from potassium dichromate, sulfuric acid, and water.