Using Microbial Eukaryotes for Laboratory Instruction and Student Inquiry

 

Donna M. Bozzone

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2005, Volume 26

Abstract

Because of their ease of handling, relatively fast life cycles, modest space and equipment needs, and interesting biology, microbial eukaryotes are excellent organisms for laboratory instruction from the introductory to the advanced level. Information regarding the care, maintenance, manipulation, and basic observations of two specific microbial eukaryotes, the plasmodial slime mold Physarum and the ciliated protozoan Tetrahymena, are described. Exercises exploring growth, development, and behavior of Physarum and phagocytosis, chemokinesis, and cell population growth in Tetrahymena are detailed. Suggestions for additional avenues of investigation for both organisms are also presented.

Keywords:  chemotaxis, development, inquiry, growth, Tetrahymena thermophila, chemokinesis, phagocytosis

Bowling Green State University, Ohio (2004)