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ACTIVITY 2
WET MOUNT AND HANGING DROP METHOD

Name: ALAJAR, Jaryl Ann M. Score:

Course, Year & Section: BSFT 1-1D Date: November 4, 2023

In a separate short white bond paper, write all the questions and answers with student
name, course, year and section, and title of the activity. Kindly write the questions
given then answer.

ASSESSMENT

Part 1 – Guide Questions. Concisely answer the guide questions provided after. Use
the information provided by or suggested in the passage. (3 points each)

1) What are the primary limitations imposed by using Hanging-drop method (or Wet
mount) to observe microorganisms? State at least two (2) accounts with brief
explanation.

- The Hanging-drop method, used to observe microorganisms, has notable

limitations. One key challenge is the difficulty in detecting motile cells within a
liquid droplet, especially when mixed with non-motile cells. Additionally, the
method's time-consuming nature may not be suitable for rapid analysis.
Furthermore, it is not safe for handling highly pathogenic organisms, as it
poses an infection risk without proper containment measures.

2) What are the primary benefits of using Hanging-drop method (or Wet mount) to
observe microbes? State at least two (2) accounts with brief explanation.

- The Hanging-drop method (Wet mount) presents two key benefits when
observing microorganisms. It offers an enhanced means to study microbial
motility, making it valuable for research and clinical purposes. Additionally, it
allows for longer-term observation, enabling the continuous monitoring of
microorganisms over time, particularly useful for studying dynamic microbial
processes.

3) Based on the results of using Hanging-drop method in Figure 2, what microorganisms

can you find? State or identify all microbes you can see, and briefly described each of
them.

- Bacteria: Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that come in various

shapes and sizes. They are abundant and diverse, playing essential roles in
various ecosystems, including human health and the environment.
- Pediastrum: Pediastrum is a type of freshwater green alga that forms colonies
of individual cells, often arranged in a star-like pattern. They are commonly
found in ponds and other aquatic environments.
- Paramecium: Paramecium is a ciliated protozoan, a single-celled organism. It
is characterized by its slipper-like shape and numerous hair-like cilia used for
locomotion and feeding. Paramecia are commonly found in freshwater
environments.
 - Euglena: Euglena is a unicellular, flagellated protist. It is known for its unique
combination of both plant-like and animal-like characteristics. Euglenas are
often found in freshwater habitats.
- Stigeoclonium: Stigeoclonium is a filamentous green alga that grows in long,
branching strands. It is commonly found in freshwater environments, such as
streams and ponds.
- Diatoms: Diatoms are single-celled, photosynthetic microorganisms
characterized by their intricate silica cell walls. They are abundant in both
freshwater and marine environments and play a significant role in global
carbon and oxygen cycles.

4) If you are going to actually observe and compare microscopically, the samples from a
lake, canal/sewage, and tap water (from faucet), what possible microorganisms are
common in all samples? State at least one (1) microbe briefly explain why.

- One common microorganism found in all water sources, including lakes,

canals/sewage, and tap water, is bacteria, particularly heterotrophic bacteria.
These versatile microorganisms are ubiquitous, adaptable, and essential for
organic matter decomposition, making them present in various aquatic
environments, both natural and human-influenced.

5) Why it is very important to have regular microbiological test of water performed on

natural bodies of water (river, spring, lakes etc.), water treatment plants, industrial and
residential tap water supply? Explain concisely your answer.

- Regular microbiological testing of water in natural bodies of water, water

treatment plants, and tap water supplies is critically important for safeguarding
public health, ensuring compliance with regulations, maintaining water quality,
detecting issues proactively, and monitoring the health of the environment. It
serves as a fundamental practice for safety, regulatory compliance, and
environmental protection.

Part 2 – Illustration. Based on the results of using Hanging-drop method in Figure 2 (Image
from exploringtheinvisible.com, 2014), accurately illustrate and describe five (5)
microorganisms that can be observed. (2 points each field)