Field Notes Journal a personal natural history of place

VI.1 Observation of Mould Growth

Aim

To observe the structure of fungal hyphae in mould.

Specimen & Apparatus

• Mould (e.g. bread or fruit)
• Needle or mounted pin
• Slide and coverslip
• Water
• Compound microscope

Method

1. Using a needle, collect a very small portion of mould.
2. Transfer to a slide with a drop of water.
3. Gently tease the material to separate structures.
4. Apply a coverslip carefully.
5. Examine under low power, then increase magnification.

Observations to Make

• Presence of filamentous hyphae.
• Arrangement and branching of filaments.
• Differences in thickness or density.
• Relationship between hyphae and surrounding material.