High School

Which of the following statements correctly describes the use of tongs in handling fungi?
A) Tongs should be used to avoid direct contact and contamination when handling fungi samples.
B) Tongs are unnecessary as fungi can be handled directly with bare hands without risk.
C) Tongs are primarily used to break apart fungi into smaller pieces for easier handling.
D) Tongs are used to label fungi specimens during laboratory analysis.

Answer :

The correct statement is A) Tongs should be used to avoid direct contact and contamination when handling fungi samples.

When working with fungi in a laboratory setting, it is essential to maintain an aseptic environment to prevent contamination.

  1. Prevent Contamination: Fungi, like other microorganisms, can easily contaminate other samples, surfaces, or even the person handling them. Using tongs helps minimize the risk of transferring unwanted microbes.

  2. Safety: Some fungi can produce spores or toxins that are harmful if inhaled or if they come into contact with skin. Tongs provide a safer way to handle these samples without direct contact.

  3. Maintain Sterility: In laboratory conditions, maintaining the sterility of samples is crucial. Tongs can be sterilized before handling fungi, ensuring that the samples remain uncontaminated.