Far Eastern University

Nicanor Reyes Street

Sampaloc, Manila

Laboratory Exercise 2A: Structure of Spores in Fungi

Submitted by: Group 1

Hutamares, Kristine E.
Leaño, Joan Mikaela
Palompon, Hannah Y.
Salada, Lizcerie Joy
Ubido, Keziah Gail A.
Vergara, Marion Philipa C.

_________________________________________________________________________
INTRODUCTION

Numerous heterotrophic eukaryotic organisms are membered to the monophyletic kingdom called
Fungi. These organisms can be found any environment but are most found on land, especially in plants or
soil. Fungi are important in nature as they help in inducing decomposition, labelling them as saprophytes.
They can either be useful or detrimental. It is beneficial in a way that it can be used in fermentation to
produce food products such bread, cheese, and wine. The harm of fungi lies on their ability to cause
diseases and infections.
Fungi reproduce by the formation of spores; these are cells particularly serves for distribution to
new regions and sites through the use of air, water or animals, and that is due to their stationary lifestyle.
These spores have a specialized part in the life cycles of fungi as they stipulate the genetic relation
concerning from one generation to another. The process of the production of spores is called sporulation.
For sporulation to happen, the main principle it requires is the advantageous nutritive environmental
settings, including but not limited to variation in light and temperature. It also involves various processes
such as metabolic responses and cellular signaling.
This experiment was significant for the students as it helped them to understand the function and
parts of a fungal structure. This was done to further analyze the importance of fungi as organisms in
playing a vital part to human life. The objectives of this experiment encompassed the thorough
observation of the spore structures of different fungal species and the identification of the differences and
similarities of these structures among the given fungi. The students were able to comprehend that these
organisms have significant and vital role in the environment up to a household setting. The
accomplishment of the objectives of this experiment was assimilated and attained through the application
of, Mycology which is the study of fungi. This helped the students to properly understand the concepts
that comprises the topic about various fungal species

METHODOLOGY

Materials
To conduct the experiment, the students used a dissecting microscope and prepared SDA plate
cultures of Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Rhizopus.

General Procedures
The students followed these general procedures in order to obtain the data needed to complete
the experiment.

rolipany@feu.edu.ph
Ruby Delos Reyes Olipany
 Far Eastern University
Nicanor Reyes Street
Sampaloc, Manila

preparation of materials

observation of the specimen

data gathering for the results

comparison of the data collected

Figure 1. General procedures of the experiment

The students prepared the dissecting microscope to observe the SDA plate cultures of
Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Rhizopus. The students noted the colony appearance and the color, type,
and form of the asexual spores that were produced.

Data Gathering Procedure

After the preparing the materials needed, the students used a microscope to observe the
prepared slide of Penicillium. The students first focused using the yellow striped 10X objective (100X
magnification). After that, the students used a 40X objective lens (400X magnification). They noted the
type of asexual spores produced and collected the specimen’s data based on what is the borne. The
same step was repeated for the next specimen. The students used a microscope to observe the prepared
slide of Aspergillus. They noted the characteristics, same from what was observed from the previous
specimen. The students then proceeded with observing the last specimen. The students used a
microscope, using a 10x objective first then proceeded by the 40x objective, to observe a prepared slide
of Rhizopus. They also noted the structures of the spores of the observed slide under the microscope.
The students collected and compared the results of the three specimens.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

Figure 2. Rhizopus stolonifer- zygospore

Rhizopus stolonifer- zygospore is the sexual reproduction. Zygospore is thick-walled which make
them highly resistant to environmental hardships. The zygospores are the only diploid phase of Rhizopus
stolonifer reproduction. They are composed of two suspensor cells, which are the former gametangia or
hyphae. There is a suspensor cell on either side of a large, rough, dark brown spore. The suspensor cells
are present to provide support.

rolipany@feu.edu.ph
Ruby Delos Reyes Olipany
 Far Eastern University
Nicanor Reyes Street
Sampaloc, Manila

Figure 3. Rhizopus stolonifer- sporangiospore

Rhiszopus stolonifer- sporangiospore is actually in asexual reproduction and special non-motile

hyphae. The sporangia at the tips of the upright hyphae develop as bulbous black portions. Branching
structures, called rhizoids, anchor the fungus into the substrate, releasing digestive enzymes and
absorbing nutrients for the fungus.

Figure 4. Penicillium Notatum- Conidiospore

rolipany@feu.edu.ph
Ruby Delos Reyes Olipany
 Far Eastern University
Nicanor Reyes Street
Sampaloc, Manila

Penicillium Notatum is used for the production of antibiotic which is the Penicillin. It has aerial
hyphae which called conidiospore which is branched to sterigma. Cytoplasm oozes from the tips of the
sterigma. It will harden which can produce green-grey conidiospores

Figure 5. Aspergillus Niger- Conidiospore

Aspergillus niger is one of the most common and easily identifiable species of the
genus Aspergillus, with its white to yellow mycelial culture surface later bearing black conidia. This
species is very commonly found in aspergillomas and is the most frequently encountered agent of
otomycosis. It is also a common laboratory contaminant.

Figure 6. Candida albicans

Candida Albicans is a kind of yeast which is single-celled fungus and it lives in the body. This kind
of yeast live in human’s skin and gastrointestinal tract, but under some circumstances it can multiply out

rolipany@feu.edu.ph
Ruby Delos Reyes Olipany
 Far Eastern University
Nicanor Reyes Street
Sampaloc, Manila

of control. Some of the small amounts of Candida Albicans also live in various warm, moist areas
throughout the body, including on the skin, in the mouth and gut, and also the rectum and vagina.

Figure 7. Saccharomyces Cereviseae (budding yeast)

Saccharomyces consists of several species. The Cereviseae is commonly known as Brewe’s

yeast or Backer’s yeast which is used in wine and baking. Budding also takes place during favourable
condition. The protoplasm of vegetative cell swells up at one side in the form of a bud (Fig. 4.37). The
nucleus undergoes mitotic division. Out of two nuclei formed by mitosis, one goes to the bud and other
one remains in the mother. Bud enlarges and eventually cuts off from the mother by partition wall.

Figure 8. mold

This type of mold is from bread. Mold is common fungi that can be found in the food. Molds are
fungi that grow in the form of translucent multicellular filaments called hyphae and a network of these
hyphae is known as mycelium.

rolipany@feu.edu.ph
Ruby Delos Reyes Olipany
 Far Eastern University
Nicanor Reyes Street
Sampaloc, Manila

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

To conclude this laboratory activity, fungi an abundant microorganism and it plays a big role for
living organisms. Each fungus has their own unique feature which makes it vital for each type of organism
that encounters. Fungus mostly are decomposers that break down dead plants and animals, but they also
work as an assistant for nutrient cycling, symbiosis, and they can also be a food source for humans. This
activity helped the students to fully understand fungi and its structure. It also helped to identify the types
of fungi and their specific functions. Rhizopus stolonifer (zygospore) is revealed to have thick-walled and
highly resistant to environmental hardships; Rhizopus stolonifer (sporiangiospore) is a special non-motile
hyphae and the sporangia tips help the fungus attach into the substrate and release digestive enzymes, it
also absorbs nutrients for the fungus. Penicillium Notatum (conidiospore) is used to produce penicillin.
Aspergillus niger (conidiospore) is the most common and easily identifiable species of the genus
aspergillus and it is a common laboratory contaminant; Lastly, Candida albicans lives in human’s skin and
gastrointestinal tract, and it can also live in warm & moist areas throughout the body.

REFERENCES

Campbell K. (2018, March 09) What Do Fungi Contribute to the Ecosystem? Retrieved from:
https://sciencing.com/fungi-contribute-ecosystem-21989.html (2020-04-07)

Ellis, D. (2001, May 15). Aspergillus. Retrieved July 03, 2020, from
https://mycology.adelaide.edu.au/descriptions/hyphomycetes/aspergillus/

Landecker, E. M. (August 15, 2011). Fungal spores. Retrieved from.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/9780470015902.a0000378.pub2#:~:text=Most%20fungi
%20are%20terrestrial%2C%20growing,include%20zygospores%2C%20ascospores%20and
%20basidiospores.&text=Mature%20spores%20may%20undergo%20either%20exogenous%20or
%20constitutive%20dormancy%20before%20germination.

Neelish, T. (2016, August 24). Saccharomyces: Reproduction and Life Cycle: Eumycota. Retrieved July 03, 2020,
from https://www.biologydiscussion.com/fungi/saccharomyces-reproduction-and-life-cycle-
eumycota/46654

Olbrantz, C. (n.d.). Black Bread Mold Rhizopus stolonifer. Retrieved July 03, 2020, from
http://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/2011/olbrantz_chri/reproduction.htm

Richards, L. (2019, September 27). What Is Candida Albicans? " The Candida Diet. Retrieved July 03, 2020, from
https://www.thecandidadiet.com/what-is-candida-albicans/

Scuffruff (2008, July 20). Fungi. Retrieved July 03, 2020, from https://www.slideshare.net/scuffruff/fungi-520780

rolipany@feu.edu.ph
Ruby Delos Reyes Olipany
 Far Eastern University
Nicanor Reyes Street
Sampaloc, Manila

Laboratory Exercise 2B: Human Fungal Pathogens

Submitted by: Group 1

Hutamares, Kristine E.
Leaño, Joan Mikaela
Palompon, Hannah Y.
Salada, Lizcerie Joy
Ubido, Keziah Gail A.
Vergara, Marion Philipa C.
_________________________________________________________________________

INTRODUCTION

According to Microbiology Society (2020), Fungi may be single-celled or very complex

multicellular organisms. Fungi can be found in every habitat, but they are mostly found in soil or plant
material rather than the aquatic environments. Fungi are subdivided according to their life cycle, the
presence or structure of their fruiting body, and the arrangement and type of spores. The three major
groups of fungi are a) multicellular filamentous molds, b) macroscopic filamentous fungi that form large
fruiting bodies, and c) single celled microscopic yeasts.
Fungi are also associated with fungal diseases. According to Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (2019), fungi can cause several illnesses such as asthma or allergies, rashes or infections,
lung infections, bloodstream infections, and meningitis. This laboratory exercises will tackle about the
fungal diseases chosen such as ringworms, histoplasmosis, talaromycosis, and fungal eye infection. The
objective of this laboratory exercise is to be knowledgeable about the fungal diseases, including the
occurence, diagnosis and treatment along with each illustration. Thorough research has been done of
each fungal disease in this laboratory exercises.

METHODOLOGY

1. Identified the fungus causing the diseases chosen

2. Used a microscope, to observe the morphological characteristics of the following disease inducing
fungus:
a. Dermatophyte fungus
b. Dimorphic fungus
3. Differentiated the structure of the dermatophyte fungus and the dimorphic fungus from each other.
4. Observed the illustrations of the manifestation of the fungus on the body in different fungal diseases.
5. Observe the overall distinction of the dermatophyte fungus and the dimorphic fungus seen on the
illustrations.

rolipany@feu.edu.ph
Ruby Delos Reyes Olipany
 Far Eastern University
Nicanor Reyes Street
Sampaloc, Manila

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

Figure 1. Ringworm effects on arm

RINGWORM

A skin fungus commonly identified as dermatophytosis, dermatophyte fungus, or tinea that can
affect animals and humans. It is a misnomer, as the infection is caused by a “fungus” and not a worm.
The lesion creates a resemble form of a ring of a worm. Ringworm is generally identified as tinea corporis
or the body’s ringworm, which is also described as tinea infection in other areas such as tinea cruris or
the groin’s ringworm, the name will depend on the affected areas in the body. It occurs as red patches on
infected areas of skin and spread on the body.

Causes and source of disease

It is caused by Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton. They can live as spore in soil in
extended amount of time, that might also cause ringworm if having a direct contact on the soil, which can
spread to the body and also with other people.

Symptoms

Humans may experience feeling of itchy, red, scaly patches on the skin. The patches that form
blisters or pustules, outer edges are defined, raised, and become redder that may also resemble a ring. If
the nails are getting thicker and decolorated, a person is experiencing dermatophytosis. If the scalp is
splitting or falling apart that become bald patches, it is called tinea capitis.

Risk and prevention

People with ringworm has the high risk to spread the infection to other people. It may also spread
in the other region of the body that might cause scarring and loss of hair, and deformity of nails. In order
to prevent from having a ring worm, people should perform hygienic behavior such as washing hands
after having a direct contact with animals. People with weak immune system, one must avoid animal or
human with infected ringworm. Reframe from sharing personal belongings and maintain the body clean
and dry.

Diagnostic testing and treatment

The doctor will examine the skin through the use of black light to recognize the infected region on
the skin. It can be fluoresced (glow) under black light depending on the fungus. Ring worm can be treated
through prescribing a medicine depending on the scope of the infection such as topical medication like
antifungal cream, sprays and etc. It is also recommended lifestyle adjustment through disinfecting the

rolipany@feu.edu.ph
Ruby Delos Reyes Olipany
 Far Eastern University
Nicanor Reyes Street
Sampaloc, Manila

bedding and clothes, thoroughly drying body after taking a bath, wear loose clothes and treating affected
area in the body.

Figure 2. Red bumps on lower legs caused by Histoplasma capsulatum fungal spores

HISTOPLASMOSIS

According to Delgado (2018), Histoplasmosis is a lung infection that is caused by an inhalation of

Histoplasma capsulatum fungal spores. These spores can bee seen in the soil and the droppings of birds
and bats. This fungus is usually found in central, southeastern, and mid-Atlantic states.
Also, cases of this infection does not require any treatment unless if the person being infected has a weak
immune system which may lead to serious problems. And the disease may spread to the other parts of
the body, results into the presence of skin lesions in some cases.

Causes

According to Delgado (2018), Histoplasmosis can be gained through an inhalation of spores that were
released in air when the contaminated soil and droppings of birds and bats are disturbed. The spores that
causes this infection can be found where birds and bats live such as:
 caves
 chicken coops
 parks; and
 older barn
Note: Histoplasmosis is not contagious.

Symptoms

Most cases of this infection do not show any symptoms. However, 10 days from the exposure,
symptoms will show up such as:
fever
 dry cough
 chest pain
 joint pain
 red bumps on lower legs

In severe cases, symptoms are:

 excessive sweating

rolipany@feu.edu.ph
Ruby Delos Reyes Olipany
 Far Eastern University
Nicanor Reyes Street
Sampaloc, Manila

 shortness of breath; and

 coughing up blood
In a widespread histoplasmosis, it causes inflammation and irritation, symptoms are:

 chest pain, caused by swelling around the heart

 high fever; and
 stiff neck and headaches from swelling around the brain and spinal cord

Diagnosis and Treatment

Implementation of a testing for histoplasmosis are for those people who suffer a severe infection
and lives in a high-risk area. To confirm the diseases, doctors conducts a urine test and blood tests.
These tests are to determine any antibodies or proteins that indicate a prior contact to histoplasmosis.
And urine, sputum, and blood cultures are also used to confirm diagnosis, and its results take up to 6
weeks.
Having a mild infection of histoplasmosis does not need treatment, the doctor might advise the person
infected to just rest and take OTC medication. However, having a trouble of breathing and an infection
that are already lasted for more than 1 month, treatment may be needed such as an oral antifungal
medication and IV treatment. The most commonly drugs used are:
 ketoconazole
 amphotericin B; and
 itraconazole

Figure 3. Talaromycosis seen on the face, hands, and arm.

Figure 4. The arrowhead highlights the midline septum in a dividing yeast cell characteristic of Talaromyces
marneffei. Morphology of T marneffei colonies and T marneffei cells grown at 25 o C and at 37 o C on Sabouraud
agar medium Talaromycosis

TALAROMYCOSIS

rolipany@feu.edu.ph
Ruby Delos Reyes Olipany
 Far Eastern University
Nicanor Reyes Street
Sampaloc, Manila

Talaromycosis used to be termed penicilliosis. It is common for people that reside in or visit
countries that are in Southeast Asia, Southern China, or Eastern India. This disease targets individuals
that do not have a good immune system due to medical conditions that can lower the ability of the body to
combat germs. It is one the most common causes of death of patient that have advance HIV infection.
Causes and sources of disease

Talaromyces marneffei is the dimorphic fungus that causes Talaromycosis. If an individual has a
weak immune system due to a medical condition such as HIV/AIDS, they become more vulnerable to the
fungal disease.

Symptoms

The most commonly seen symptom are bumps, that are painless and can show on one’s neck, face
and other parts of the body.

 Fever  Difficulty breathing

 General discomfort  Swelling of the liver and spleen
 Weight loss  Diarrhea
 Cough  Abdominal pain
 Swollen lymph nodes

Risks and preventions

Talaromycosis is a fungal disease that targets individuals who live in Southeast Asia, Southern
China, and Eastern India and people with a weak immune system caused by conditions such as:
 Cancer
 Organ transplant
 Adult-onset immunodeficiency syndrome
 Other autoimmune diseases

Medication such as Itraconazole is provided to prevent the disease. However, there are other antifungal
medicines that a healthcare provider may prescribe.

Diagnostic testing and treatment

For the diagnosis of talaromycosis, a sample from an infected part of the body is collected.
Fungal culture or microscopic observation will then be performed in a laboratory to confirm.

Figure 5. Fungal keratitis

FUNGAL EYE INFECTION

rolipany@feu.edu.ph
Ruby Delos Reyes Olipany
 Far Eastern University
Nicanor Reyes Street
Sampaloc, Manila

Although fungal eye infections are not common, they can be severe. Eye injuries from plant
material, like thorns and sticks can be one of the ways a person can get an eye infection. If the cornea is
infected this is referred to as keratitis, while an infection in the interior of the eye is known as
endophthalmitus.

Causes and sources of disease

Fusarium is a fungus that causes eye infections and it is linked to plant material, therefore if an
individual gets an eye injury from plant material, this causes fungal eye infection.
Getting an eye surgery, such as corneal transplants can also cause fungal eye infection. About 4 to 7 for
every 10,000 transplants get this infection, however this became twice more common for those who
underwent corneal transplant surgery from 2007 to 2014. Also, bacteria used to be the main cause,
however now fungi are responsible for two-thirds of the infections. There is another source of the disease,
this is when candidemia a fungal bloodstream infection spread; however, this is very rare.

Symptoms

 Eye pain
 Eye redness
 Blurred vision

 Sensitivity to light
 Excessive tearing
 Eye discharge

Risks and preventions

The fungal eye infections can occur from the following situations:

 Eye injury, particularly with plant material

 Eye surgery
 Chronic eye disease involving the surface of the eye
 Wearing contact lenses
 Exposure to contaminated medical products that come in contact with the eye
 Fungal bloodstream (candidemia)
Diagnostic testing and treatment

The diagnosis is done by observing the features. For fungal keratitis, the cornea may
exhibit firm, elevated slough, a feathery grey-white satellite stromal infiltrate, mild iritis. The doctor
will also get small tissue or fluid from the eye, then the sample will be examined. For a faster
diagnosis Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can be used or confocal microscopy, but the most
common is through culture.

Treatment of fungal eye infections are dependent on the type of fungus, the severity of
the infection, and the parts of the eye that are affected.

Possible treatments

 Antifungal eye drops

 Antifungal medication given as a pill or through a vein
 Antifungal medication injected directly into the eye
 Eye surgery

rolipany@feu.edu.ph
Ruby Delos Reyes Olipany
 Far Eastern University
Nicanor Reyes Street
Sampaloc, Manila

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

In conclusion, Fungi may occur and greatly affect the different parts of the human body.
Anybody can experience fungi infection, including individuals who are already considered healthy.
Through this study, we have learned that people may inhale or interact with fungal spores without
becoming ill. Some fungi bound to cause disease to those individual with frail immune system.
With this, determining the source of disease allows scientist to understand the cause of fungi
infection in the human body. They are able to examine what type of fungi causes disease and
they have the ability to develop medication in order to treat the affected are in the body.

REFERENCES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019, May 13). About Fungal Diseases. Retrieved from About Fungal
Diseases https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/about-fungal-diseases.html?
fbclid=IwAR3cyY9i4icmXwI68kynrKI8YYiv7itT1UocO1vgs9hKFszvHk5FDUmgY1U
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017, January 27). Fungal Eye Infections. Retrieved from
https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/fungal-eye-infections/index.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, March 19). Fungal Infections - Protect Your Health. Retrieved
from https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/features/fungal-infections.html?
fbclid=IwAR1F7nMLFY8ceuU5f7QmvAw9vudCYk91N24AhAGyMDZeqg2lj9_ygrvk1aU
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, May 27). Talaromycosis. Retrieved from
https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/other/talaromycosis.html
Delgado, A. (2018). Healthline. Histoplasmosis. Retrieved from
https://www.healthline.com/health/histoplasmosis?
fbclid=IwAR0hKJp2AsE0yL36B6Tp6BgIbFHTswK4Vhm0Eqo84ztBqC51Suj1p20J4EQ

Dock, E. & Nall, R. (2019, September 4). Everything you want to know about ringworm.
Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/ringworm#symptoms

Le, T., Thanh, N., & Thwaites, G. (2019, May 28). Talaromycosis (Penicilliosis). Retrieved from
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780323555128000909\
Microbiology Society. (n.d.). Fungi: What is microbiology?. Retrieved from https://microbiologysociety.org/why-
microbiology-matters/what-is-microbiology/fungi.html?fbclid=IwAR09oT-
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Thomas, P., & Kaliamurthy, J. (2014, December 13). Mycotic keratitis: Epidemiology, diagnosis and management.
Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1198743X14601269?via=ihub
U.S Department of Health and Human Services. (2019, November 21). Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment
of Opportunistic Infections in Adults and Adolescents with HIV. Retrieved from
https://aidsinfo.nih.gov/guidelines/html/4/adult-and-adolescent-opportunistic-
infection/349/talaromycosis--penicilliosis

rolipany@feu.edu.ph
Ruby Delos Reyes Olipany