| Spores from a wide variety of stocks showing wild-type and mutant
phenotypes are available. Mutant phenotypes range from striking visual types like polka
dot (Fig. 4) to developmental mutants like maleless, dark germinator, and nonetiolated, to
types resistant to environmental stresses from agents such as herbicides and salt. In
addition to currently available stocks, additional visual and developmental mutants,
including types showing altered sperm motility, are under development. Class Kits and Independent Study C-Fern is a versatile teaching tool that can be used in both hands-on investigations and independent, student-initiated research. A number of separate C-Fern kits have been developed for classroom use to highlight several types of investigations. Most kits are based on the rapid development of the gametophyte generation or include early sporophyte development so that the exercises can be completed within 2 to 4 weeks. The rapid development and simple, inexpensive culture requirements also make C-Fern an exceptionally useful organism for independent research projects. Students can use a variety of approaches to address many types of questions. The ability to work with large populations and to control experimental conditions enhances the ability to design and carry out meaningful projects. Editor's Note: The C-Fern Manual and
C-Fern Laboratory Investigations have been developed jointly by Drs. Leslie G. Hickok
and Thomas R. Warne with support from the National Science Foundation and The University
of Tennessee. In addition, valuable advice and outstanding technical support were provided
by Stephenie Baxter. Further Resources Web Site
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