Republic of the Philippines

University of Northern Philippines

Heritage City of Vigan

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

MICROBIOLOGY
LABORATORY ACTIVITY NO. 2
FUNGI

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I. Summary
Students will learn about the different kinds of mold and how it grows.

II. Objectives
Understand what mold is and how it grows.
Observe the growth of different kinds of food molds and understand how to identify and prevent mold growth.

III. Materials:
Small paper plate Observation worksheet
Sealable sandwich bag Microscope
Slices of apple and bread Slide and cover slip
Spray bottle with water Petridish
Permanent marker Forceps

IV. Background
What is mold?
Mold is the common name for many kinds of tiny organisms called fungi. There are thousands of types of molds that
can be found indoors and outdoors. Different molds will grow in colonies, living on dead organisms such as decaying
plants and animals, as well as non-living materials such as buildings, food, fabric and books. Some molds even thrive
on living organisms as parasites.

Molds play an important role of the natural decaying process of living organisms in the natural world. However, they
may present a health risk in indoor environments.

Molds need moisture to thrive and usually grow and reproduce spores in damp or moist places. Light and
temperature also impact mold growth in different locations such as showers, kitchens, damp basements and around
windows.

V. Methodology
1. Get a paper plat and a sealable bag.
2. Place a slice of bread and apple separately on bags and spray with water.
3. Place bag on warm, dark and in sunlight.
4. Observe for 1 week.
5. Write observations on observation worksheet.
VI. Results/Observations:

1. Did the mold grow on the apple or bread first?

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2. How long did it take to see mold growth?
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3. What does the mold look like?
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4. What color is the mold?
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5. Texture: is the mold fuzzy, lumpy, flat, shaped?
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6. Does the mold spread from one object to other?
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7. Do you notice different molds on different foods?
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8. Why is it important to open the bags to smell the mold?
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9. Are there different types of mold?
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10. What does mold need to grow and how can you help prevent growth of mold at home and in school?
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 Answer the following questions?

1. What does mold look like?

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2. What are the health impacts of mold?
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VII. Conclusions:
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