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Protistan & Fungi Virtual Lab: CSIR-CDRI Drug Discovery Unit

Biological Classification

Work as a research intern at CSIR-CDRI (Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow) investigating protists and fungi. Identify organisms that may yield new drugs while mastering their classification, structure, and behaviour.

30 min
Duration
3
Missions
11
Problems
165
XP

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📖 Your Story

You've been selected as a summer intern at CSIR-CDRI, one of India's premier drug discovery laboratories located in Lucknow. Your mentor, Dr. Sharma, has assigned you to the aquatic protist and fungal identification division. The lab is screening organisms from water bodies across Uttar Pradesh and fungal samples from the Western Ghats for potential antimicrobial and antiparasitic compounds. You'll work with real lab equipment — microscopes, staining kits, and culture plates — to identify dinoflagellates, euglenoids, slime moulds, protozoans, and fungi.

What You'll Learn

  • Identify dinoflagellates by their cellulose plates, two flagella, and role in red tides
  • Describe euglenoid features including the pellicle and dual nutritional mode
  • Explain slime mould life cycle — plasmodium formation and spore dispersal
  • Classify the four major protozoan groups and their movement mechanisms
  • Recognize key characteristics of Kingdom Fungi including chitinous cell walls

How to Play

1Open the virtual lab bench and select your specimen slide from the sample tray.
2Use the virtual microscope with staining options to observe cellular structures.
3Answer identification and classification questions for each specimen.
4Complete all specimens and submit your lab report to Dr. Sharma.

3 Missions Await

1

Slide A & B: Dinoflagellates & Euglenoids

4 problems · 45 XP

2

Slide C & D: Slime Moulds & Protozoans

4 problems · 60 XP

3

Fungal Cultures: Introduction to Kingdom Fungi

3 problems · 60 XP