Exploring Mushroom Anatomy Lab 2009-2010

Names: ______________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______ Group #: ______
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Exploring Mushroom Anatomy Lab
Background
The spores of a mushroom are a key feature in the identification of mushrooms. The size, shape, and pattern of the
spores provide important information that helps identify the mushroom. A spore print is a means of collecting piles of
spores, making the color and other features easier to study. In this lab you will be identifying the main parts of a
mushroom. Then using a spore print, the color of the mushroom’s spores will be revealed.
Problem
What are the structures of a mushroom?
Materials
Mushroom, Plastic knife, Microscope/Dissecting scope or magnifying glass
Procedure
1. This lab requires that you only use pencil.
2. Obtain a mushroom from your teacher and observe it carefully.
3. Using the illustration and terms below as a guide, draw a diagram of your mushroom,
label the parts of its anatomy that are present, and record observations
in the table provided. Note: Many mushrooms do not have all of these parts!
a. cap—top part of mushroom
b. scales—rough patches on cap surface
c. gills—radically arranged flat surfaces on the underside of the cap
d. ring—skirt of tissue circling stem
e. stalk—main support of mushroom
f. cup—at the base of the mushroom
4. Based on your observations of the mushroom gills, make and record your prediction about what color the
spores are (here): _______________________________________________________________________
5. Examine the spore print, using a microscope/dissecting scope or magnifying lens if available.
Note: If the spores are light‐colored, hold the paper at an angle toward the light to see them better.
Record your observations in the table provided.
6. In the table provided draw a detailed picture of the spores using the spore print and the
microscope/dissecting scope or magnifying glass.
7. If you have additional time, you may carefully use the plastic knife at your lab bench to dissect the mushroom.
8. Clean‐up your lab area by throwing away your mushroom, turning off and wrapping the cord around the
microscope, placing any supplies back where they were obtained, and the making sure the lab table is clear of
any debris.

Analyze and Conclude
Directions: As a group, answer the following questions in complete sentences unless otherwise noted.
These will be given a group grade, so be sure you are a part of the collaboration.
All incomplete sentences could lose up to half credit per answer.
1. Why might it be difficult to predict spore color?
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2. Why do you think the spores are located where they are in the mushroom?
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3. Why was it necessary for your teacher to cover the mushroom cap when it was left out overnight?
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4. Under what type of environmental conditions do you think these spores would be most likely to grow in to
new mycelia?
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5. The color of the external mushroom parts can vary within one species since they may be affected by
environmental conditions. Knowing this, why do you think spores prints are a valuable technique for
mushroom identification?
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Name: _____________________________________ Date: ______________________ Period: _____ Group #: ______
Mushroom Anatomy Table
Directions: Fill in the table as neatly and observantly as possible. EACH group member will complete a table of their
own. I know you will be working together, so your answers may be similar, but be sure to use your own original
observations. Staple this sheet (along with your group members’) to the back of the lab.
Mushroom
Parts
Cap
Scales
Gills
Ring
Stalk
Cup
Spores
Observations
Diagram of Mushroom
Drawing of Spores
Was your prediction of spore color correct? (Circle one) Yes or No