Worksheet for Morgan/Carter Laboratory #14.2
“Fungi”
BE SURE TO READ THE INTRODUCTION PRIOR TO ANSWERING THE QUESTIONS!!!
Pay close attention to the modes of reproduction of different species and their life cycle.
Ex. 14-2: THE KINGDOM FUNGI
Lab Study A: Zygote Fungi - Zygomycota
Procedure
6. Examine the hyphae and sporangia using the compound microscope. Are the spores visible? Through
what process have the spores been produced?
How do the spores compare with the hyphal cells genetically?
How would spores produced by sexual reproduction differ from spores produced asexually?
8. After observing the culture of Pilobolus, identify the sporangia, myceilia and hyphae. What color are
the sporangia and the spores?
Discussion
1. The body form of most fungi, including Pilolobus, is a mycelium composed of filamentous hyphae.
Using your observations as a basis for your thinking, state why this body form is well adapted to the
fungus “mode of nutrition.”
2. Refer back to the description of Pilolobus. Speculate about the adaptive advantage of having a system
to propel sporangia, as seen in Pilolobus.
Lab Study B: Sac Fungi - Ascomycota
Procedure
2. Approximately how many spores are present per ascus? Are they diploid or haploid?
3. Sketch the outline of an ascocarp as shown in your lab manual. Next, using the view of your prepared
slide of Peziza, draw and label the following parts: asci, spores, hyphae and mycelium.
Results
3. Sketch your observation of Penicillium in the box below. Note any features that may be important in
distinguishing the species.
Discussion
1. What characteristics are common to all sac fungi that reproduce sexually?
2. Compare the appearance of Penicillium with that of Rhizopus.
Lab Study C: Club Fungi - Basidiomycota
Procedure
2. Draw a simple picture of the fresh mushroom in the box below and label the following parts: gills,
pileus and stipe. Draw a cross-section through the whole basidiocarp (dome) in the circle showing the
location of the spores.
Whole Mushroom
Cross-section through Basidiocarp
Discussion
State the characteristics shared by all Basidiomycota.
Lab Study D: Lichens
Results
1. Sketch an example of a lichen in the demonstration area of the lab in the box below.
2. Label any visible reproductive structures, and, if possible, indicate if the fungal component is a sac
fungus or a club fungus.
3. Identify and label each according to the lichen type.
Discussion
Imagine that you are the first scientist to observe a lichen microscopically. What observations would
lead you to conclude that the lichen is composed of a lichen and an alga?
REVIEWING YOUR KNOWLEDGE
1. Be sure you have completed the summary table at the beginning of worksheet 14.1 comparing
features of Protista (14.1) and Fungi (14.2)
3. Compare spore formation in sac fungi and club fungi.
4. Using observations of pigments present, body form and distinguishing characteristics of the three
groups of macroscopic green, brown and red algae, speculate about where they might be most
commonly found in ocean waters. (Hint: think about which wavelengths of light penetrate deepest.)