PHYCOMYCES NITENS 115 



3. Make a drawing to illustrate the above points. 



F. Physiology: 



1. Describe the color of the sporangiophore and 

 sporangium as seen under the microscope, and state 

 whether this color is in the cell-wall or in the cell- 

 contents. 



2. If you detect any motion of the protoplasm (best 

 seen in young sporangiophores) describe it accu- 

 rately. Is it a true circulation (i.e., in various 

 directions in a closed circuit), a rotation (i.e., up 

 one side of the filament and down the other), 

 or a streaming (i.e., all currents apparently toward 

 one and the same end of the filament). Suggest 

 any advantage this motion would be in the nourish- 

 ing of the plant; in the formation of sporangia. 



3. Make a drawing of a portion of the hypha, at least 

 15 mm. wide, showing the appearance of the con- 

 tents, and, with arrows, the direction of motion. 



4. What foods does this fungus need? From where 

 must they be obtained? Are they soluble? Can 

 Phycomyces take in solid food? What process is 

 necessary in our own bodies before we can utilize 

 solid food? Must Phy corny ces perform a like 

 function? Is there a special organ for such a 

 function? Must the process go on inside or out- 

 side of the body of the plant? Why? 



5. Is photosynthesis possible with Phycomyces? Why? 

 How must it get its carbohydrates? 



6. Does Phycomyces respire? Give a reason for your 

 answer. 



7. What is the most obvious and important difference 

 between the cells of Phycomyces and of Spirogyra? 



G. Asexual Reproduction: 



i. Study a sporangiophore. Is it of the same diameter 



