Field Notes Journal a personal natural history of place

VI.3 Observation of Fungal Spore Structures

Aim

To study the structures associated with fungal spore production.

Specimen & Apparatus

• Mould (e.g. on citrus peel)
• Needle or mounted pin
• Slide and coverslip
• Water
• Compound microscope

Method

1. Collect a small portion of mould using a needle.
2. Transfer to a slide with a drop of water.
3. Tease apart gently to expose structures.
4. Apply a coverslip carefully.
5. Examine under low and then higher magnification.

Observations to Make

• Presence of spore-bearing structures.
• Arrangement of spores on supporting filaments.
• Shape and size of spores.
• Differences between vegetative and reproductive structures.