1. Mackenzie Taylor (Mentor) , Mayumi, McKenzie, Ashlee, Justin
The Effects Of Ammonia On the Development Of a Spore
Mackenzie Taylor (Mentor) , Mayumi, McKenzie, Ashlee, Justin
Introduction:
The normal fern gametophyte development takes between days. Spore germination
begins three to four days after spores are sown, and should be complete six days after spores
are sown. The male and female gametophytes should be sexually mature about ten to twelve
days after seeds are sown. We decided to test water pollution, because it is fairly common on
Earth today. Since we were not able to use oil, we decided to use ammonia because it is a
fairly common water pollutant. Our question was; “Does the concentration of pollution in
water/agar affect the growth of c-fern spores?” Our hypothesis was; “If the spores are exposed
to ammonia, then the developmental rate of the spores will be slowed down.”
Control A
Control B
Procedures:
Pour the agar into the plates. X6
Pour 1/4mL of ammonia into two of the plates. Pour 1/2mL of ammonia
into two other plates. Do not pour any ammonia in the last two plates.
Place two drops of spores into each container.
Place all six plates into bag with wet paper towel. Seal bag shut.
Place under light and check growth regularly, noting any differences.
Materials:
½ B
½ A
-Microscope
-Plates
-Agar
-C-Fern Spores
-Rubbing Alcohol
-Pipettes
-Ammonia
-Gloves
Conclusion:
Our control A, seemed to have increased development in the early stages, but ended
on schedule. Control B, also showed the same development. Our ½ A was slow
throughout the entire experiment, and has still not even gotten to the third stage
of development, which is archegonia. ½ B was also slow, but just managed to
get to the third stage of development. ¼ A progressed at a slower rate than the
control, but also faster than ½. They managed to get all the way to the archegonia stage,
but never managed to get sporophytes. This is true for both A and B. Our hypothesis
was supported. Our data shows this because the control finished on time with
sporophytes by the end, with the ¼ following behind it reaching the archegonia stage,
while the ½ developed the least by only getting to the mitten and rhizoids stage
(Table A). Sexual differential was seen in all however. The main error experienced
was the contamination infecting not just one control, but both of them. This error
was seen as insignificant as we followed it throughout the experiment and compared
it to other groups’ controls. If we were to do this experiment again, we would make
sure to be more careful so that the plates do not get contaminated, by taking more time and follow instructions more carefully, so that our results would be more accurate.
¼ B
¼ A
Table A: Effects of Water Pollution
Tempature
Control A
1/2
1/4
3/30/11 27
Spores
4/1/11 26
Infection Seen
No change just spores
4/6/11 31
Mitten
4/8/11
Multiple Mittens
Ryzoids appear
Ryzoids
4/11/11
Arcadonia
Ryzoids and Mitten
Ryzoids and Mittens
4/13/11
Arcadonia, Water was added.
No changes, added water.
Arcadonia, Water added.
4/15/11
Sporophytes
Sexual Differention seen
No change