Where can I obtain the C-Fern antheridiogen?

C-Fern antheridiogen, the pheromone which determines the sexual phenotype of gametophytes, can be easily harvested and used in experiments. Use old cultures of gametophytes, preferably those which are not contaminated, and carefully scrape the gametophytes from the surface. Next, freeze and then thaw the agar. The antheridiogen containing liquid will separate from the agar and […]

Where do I go to learn more about C-Fern?

You can find out more about using C-Fern in the classroom, for independent laboratory investigations to student-initiated and directed research and for all levels of other research by using this site. The following sections provide additional and more detailed information about using C-Fern for teaching or research Teaching with C-Fern – Additional material for exercises […]

What can I learn from C-Fern?

You can use C-Fern to investigate a wide variety of biological principles, scientific methods and laboratory techniques! For grades 7 – 12 and college-level biology Simple and rapid set up by teacher or students Explore a broad spectrum of biological principles Introduces simple, failproof axenic culture techniques Highly Adaptable – from teacher demonstrations to student […]

How do I take care of C-Fern?

Both C-Fern gametophytes and sporophytes are easy to culture in the classroom or in a research environment can be axenically cultured on simple inorganic media in Petri dishes. Because they are free-living and autotrophic, easy and foolproof culture techniques allow both gametophytes and sporophytes to be conveniently cultured and manipulated with minimal training and equipment. […]

Where can I obtain spores and growing supplies for C-Fern?

To purchase C-Fern spores, growing supplies, the C-Fern Manual, Laboratory Kits, and Exercises, please contact a C-Fern vendor. Other equipment and supplies can be easily constructed or obtained locally – please refer to this website. Carolina Biological Supply CompanyPO Box 6010Burlington, NC 27216-6010 Customer Service Support US CustomersPhone: 800.334.5551 or 336.446.7600 International CustomersPhone: 336-584-0381