Molds As Model Organisms For Undergraduate Structured Inquiry Labs

 

Daniel Johnson

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2004, Volume 25

Abstract

Structured inquiry labs allow students who have little prior lab experience to learn the mechanics of experimental design, then immediately apply their new skills to a novel problem. Cultured molds are easily manipulated model organisms that are particularly suited for such investigations. This article outlines a 2–week lab in which students model inter–specific interactions. The first week students grow two species of molds in isolation versus in competition, and use point counting to estimate relative growth rates. Students subsequently design and execute their own experiments. Several commonly encountered student experiments are described, with suggestions for how to accommodate them. Known limitations and concerns about this model system are also addressed.

Keywords:  mold, competition

University of Nevada, Las Vegas (2003)