BIOLOGY Volume 2 - A Guide to General Biology - 2004

12. MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

12.9. Laboratory Work

12.9.3. Practical Work with Fungi

Working with lower Fungi generally involves the same standard microbiological techniques as working with Bacteria. Many saprophytic fungi, much like bacteria, can be cultured on nutrient Agar. If a pure fungal culture is required, aseptic techniques should be employed, as described in sections 12.3 and 12.4. This approach is commonly used to cultivate Mucor, Rhizopus, and Penicillium. The most suitable growth medium is 2% malt agar poured into Petri dishes. Individual species can be isolated from a mixed culture that has developed spontaneously on a substrate, such as bread, fruit, or other moist foodstuffs. Spores are transferred to the culture medium using a sterile inoculation needle. Cultures are best examined under a stereomicroscope at low magnification.



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