Fungi are some of the coolest organisms around! They come in all shapes and sizes, from the yeast to make bread to the mold on old bread. Some fungi are beneficial and help recycle nutrients back into the environment, while some cause problems like infections.

The simplest method of growing molds is to put a substrate like bread in a moist chamber. The substrate provides nutrients, and the chamber maintains the high humidity that favors the growth of fungi.  

Have you ever wanted to explore the world of fungi? All you need is bread, a plastic bag, and a damp paper towel. In just a few days, you'll be able to observe the growth of molds and bacteria in your own moist chamber.

Purpose: TRY GROWING YOUR OWN MOLDS IN A MOIST CHAMBER!!!

Introduction:

The material that supports the growth of a fungus is called its substrate.   A
commercially prepared medium like potato agar is one kind of substrate, but any
organic material can be used. 



The simplest method of growing molds is to put a substrate like bread in a moist
chamber. The substrate provides nutrients, and the chamber maintains the high
humidity that favors the growth of fungi.  Placing a slice of bread, fruit or
vegetable, or a leaf in a plastic sandwich bag is a simple way to use this
method.  The small plastic bag must have a tie, a fold-over top or another way
of sealing it.  Mold growth should be visible after 3 to 5 days.  If you want to
try this experiment, follow the directions below. 


Materials:

 * Substrate material    
 * Sandwich bags with a tie, fold top or "zip lock".
 * A marker to label the bags.
 * Damp, NOT WET, paper towels.


Procedure:

MAKING THE MOIST CHAMBERS

 * Label the bags with a number so you can tell them apart.
 * Place a damp towel in each bag.
 * Place a slice of bread or other substrate on top of the damp towel.
 * Seal the bags.
 * Record the substrate put in each bag.
 * Place the bags in a warm area out of direct sunlight where they will not be
   disturbed.
 * Check the bags each day. Fungal growth should be visable in 3 to 5 days.
   Fungi are fuzzy or hairy and may be green, white, black, yellow, etc.
   Bacterial colonies are shiny or slimy and may also be different colors.
 * Record the number, color, and size of the fungal colonies. One very fast
   growing fungus, the Galloping Grey Ghost (Rhizopus stolonifer), may
   completely cover bread in just a couple of days.


QUESTIONS TO HELP DESIGN EXPERIMENTS

 * Are there differences in the numbers and kinds of fungi growing on different
   kinds of bread?
 * Does preservative in some bread affect the numbers and kinds of molds?
 * Are there differences in the numbers and kinds of fungi growing on bread
   compared to carrots?


Growing Molds in a Moist Chamber

How to grow mould in a moist chamber

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Microbiology is the study of tiny living things that we can't see with our eyes, like bacteria, viruses and fungi. Microbiologists study how these microorganisms grow, reproduce, and interact with their environment, and how they can affect our health.

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Growing Molds in a Moist Chamber

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