Exercise 9 Results

Fungi, Protozoa and multicellular ParasitesA. Fungi

Organism:

Penicillium

Magnification

278X 557X 2230X

Cell Size 126 micrometers 63.2 micrometers 15.8 micrometers

Organism:Rhizopus

Magnification

139X 557X 2230X

Cell Size 253 micrometers 63.3 micrometers 15.8 micrometers

B. Protozoa

Organism:

Euglena

Magnification

270X 541X 1083X

Cell Size 132 micrometers 64.1 micrometers 32.6 micrometers

Organism:Rhizopus

Magnification

67X 541X 1083X

Cell Size 521 micrometers 67.1 micrometers 32.6 micrometers

Organism:

Volvox(multicellular)

Magnification

68X 137X 1100X

Cell Size 520 micrometers 260 micrometers 32.5 micrometers

C. Multicellular Parasites

Organism:

Hookworm

Magnification

135X 135X 541X

Cell Size

1.04 millimeters 260 micrometers 32.6micrometers

Organism:Rhizopus

Magnification

69X 557X 1083X

Cell Size

505 micrometers 63.2 micrometers 31.6micrometers

Notes : We used two methods in preparing doing this exercise. One is Manual laboratory work and the other is virtual using the virtual microscopy with the use of florescence miroscope. We also got the exact cells sizes where my partner cannot dispute anymore. ( we arguedon the calibrated microscopy computations on the other activity, -

another reason why we again finished last a week ago.) Another reason why we feel that using this virtual microscopy is to present an in-depth discussion of the morphologiacl differences of fungi, protozoa and some multicellular parasites which is clearly seen using this application.

Observations and Conclusions

Fungi and protozoa differ gratly in in sizes and morphological features.  A bacterium  is a single celled organism that is essential for all life. They are either a parasite or live independently. Bacteria have three basic shapes that include spiral, coccus and bacillusA fungus is a spore producing organism that has no chlorophyll and can live as single celled yeast or as a larger multi-cellular mould. It lives by absorbing certain nutrients from any organic matter. Dry atmosphere, cold temperature and lack of nutritive medium will inhibit successful mold slide culture. Sabouraud’s dextrose agar is of greater value in mold isolation because it is a selective medium, it only lets fungi to grow in it,nothing else. A protozoa is a single celled organism which is ableto move and will feed on any organic compound of carbon and nitrogen, for example an amoeba. They can be parasites or live independently. They are usually found in water or soil. Protozoa have different shapes and will produce asexually. They can inhabit the human body as a parasite, for example in the large intestine. Multicellular parasites are macroscopic (Figure 8) eukaryotic organisms Their eggs and larvae (immature forms) are microscopic (Figures8 and 10)

Figure 8Hookworm

Figure 8Hokworm larvae

Figure 9Hokworm’s « hooked mouth »

Figure 10Ascaris cells undergoing cell division

Multicellular parasites, like single-celled forms arechemoheterotrophs that rely on other

organisms for their nutritional needs. They vary considerably in size and form, but can be divided into two categories on the basis of theirrelationships with their hosts. :Endoparasites – Endoparasites are those found living inside their hosts. Though some of these spend a portion of their life in water or soil, their mature forms live withinanimal hosts and are often highly adapted to this specialized environment. Ectoparasites – Ectoparasites are those found living outside their hosts. Many ectoparasites live on or near the organisms they require for nutrients, while some spend considerable time away from their hosts. In some cases, only the females require a blood mealand males of the species feed on plants or other materials. 9

___________________________________9.http://www.pharmalo.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Introduction-to-multicellular-parasites.pdf

The figures below are just some of the specimens virtually viewed using the Virtual Lab (fluorescence microscope) application.