Life Sciences Commons^™

Isolation Of Arabidopsis Thaliana Plants Homozygous For An Insertional Inactivation Mutation Within Atprp4., Sydney Raitz, Timothy D. Trott

Research in Biology

The AtPRP4 gene in Arabidopsis thaliana has been shown to function in several specific parts of the plant’s cell wall. It is shown to be expressed in the seeds, radicles, roots, leaves, inflorescences, and embryos of Arabidopsis thaliana. These patterns have suggested unique functions for ATPRP4 in determining cell-type-specific wall structure during the development of a plant as well as contributing to defense reactions against physical damage to the plant and pathogen infection within the plant. In this study, a simple DNA prep was performed on the true leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana. Subsequent PCR reactions were performed using …

Examining The Different Soil Horizons Of White Oak Mountain, Tn And Their Effect On The Soil Microbial Community, Ji Won Moon, Timothy D. Trott

Research in Biology

Soil microorganisms participate in the diverse interaction within virtually all ecosystems, consequently affecting the associated human and animal population. Identifying how edaphic variables alter the functional and taxonomic diversity of the soil microbial community requires an examination of total microbial soil diversity and abundance. This research study examined the effect of soil depth and horizon on the soil microbial community composition of White Oak Mountain. The soil microbial community was characterized by 16S/18S/ITS rDNA amplicon sequencing of the DNA extract of six samples from the three major soil types identified: HcE, MoE, and uMvC. OTU clustering analysis and both alpha …

The Impact Of Soil Disturbance On Soil Bacterial Community Composition, Marie A. Rodriguez, Mark Peach, Timothy D. Trott

Research in Biology

Soil bacterial communities are an important part of terrestrial ecosystems due to their roles in biogeochemical cycling processes. Consequently, understanding how soil disturbance affects the soil bacterial diversity is vital to understanding the entire ecosystem. In this study we examined the effects of soil disturbance (by mining) on the soil bacterial community composition from three sites on Bauxite Ridge in Southeast Tennessee compared to three undisturbed sites in a nearby location. The soil bacterial community was analyzed by 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing of total DNA extracted from the soil samples collected from each of the six sites. Characterization of the …

Soil Microbial Community Composition Of White Oak Mountain, Tennessee, Matthew Gano, Timothy D. Trott

Research in Biology

Abstract - Soil microbial communities are responsible for nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems and have symbiotic and parasitic relationships with the plant community. However, little is known about the factors that determine the soil microbial community composition. In this study we examined how spring wildflower diversity and geographical factors influence the soil microbial community composition of the second growth oak hickory forests of White Oak Mountain in Southeast Tennessee. The characterization of the soil microbial community was completed with 16S/18S/ITS rDNA amplicon sequencing of total DNA extracted from soil samples that were normalized for each sample plot. Here we characterize …

Examining The Different Soil Horizons Of White Oak Mountain, Tn And Their Effect On The Soil Microbial Community, Ji Won Moon, Timothy D. Trott

Research in Biology

Soil microorganisms participate in the diverse interaction within virtually all ecosystems, consequently affecting the associated human and animal population. Identifying how edaphic variables alter the functional and taxonomic diversity of the soil microbial community requires an examination of total microbial soil diversity and abundance. This research study examined the effect of soil depth and horizon on the soil microbial community composition of White Oak Mountain. The soil microbial community was characterized by 16S/18S/ITS rDNA amplicon sequencing of the DNA extract of six samples from the three major soil types identified: HcE, MoE, and uMvC. OTU clustering analysis and both alpha …

A Tool For Selecting Ecological Survey Locations In The Southeastern United States Using A Matched-Paired Design, David R. Nelsen, Aaron G. Corbit, Harvey Alférez

Campus Research Day

Site selection is a critical step for conducting an ecological survey. Inappropriate site selection may lead to confounding variables being included in your data and result in incorrect or inconclusive conclusions ^1,2. The Jorō spider, Trichonephila clavata, is an invasive species ³ that is currently expanding through the Southeaster United States⁴. However, it remains unclear how far the spider will spread and what impact the spider will have on local ecosystems. Early results do suggest that Jorōs are having a negative impact on native orb-weaving spiders⁴, but more systematic research is needed to verify …

Isolation Of Arabidopsis Thaliana Plants Homozygous For An Insertional Inactivation Mutation Within Atprp4., Sydney Raitz, Timothy D. Trott

Faculty Works

The AtPRP4 gene in Arabidopsis thaliana has been shown to function in several specific parts of the plant’s cell wall. It is shown to be expressed in the seeds, radicles, roots, leaves, inflorescences, and embryos of Arabidopsis thaliana. These patterns have suggested unique functions for ATPRP4 in determining cell-type-specific wall structure during the development of a plant as well as contributing to defense reactions against physical damage to the plant and pathogen infection within the plant. In this study, a simple DNA prep was performed on the true leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana. Subsequent PCR reactions were performed using …

Creating A Pre-Illness Covid-19 Action Plan: A Web-Based Public Education Initiative, Brian S. Hustad

DNP Research Projects

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic took the world by storm in the beginning stages of 2020. Public health agencies were overwhelmed, undermanned, and therefore slow to respond. Information began to flow at an unprecedented rate. Yet, very limited resources were put into place to present this information or to instruct the public on evidence-based prevention, treatment, or care at home during active infection.

Intervention: A project website was created and accessed through a QR code on the project flyer or by entering the URL into any browser. Participants were able to access three evidence- based video modules, which introduced the …

Childhood Trauma And Chronic Disease, Breanna Urena

Graduate Research Projects

No abstract provided.

Does Bambi Need Privacy? The Impact Of Human Recreational Trail Traffic On Abundance And Daily Activity Of The White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus Virginianus), Diana Alvarez

Journal of Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Research

Humans have a significant impact on wildlife populations. Although not as obvious, even non-consumptive recreational activities (i.e. hiking and mountain biking) can impact wildlife. Previous research has suggested that human traffic can impact the movement patterns of the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Specifically, as human traffic increases, deer sightings decrease. Also, due to their crepuscular nature, deer peak activity is at dawn and dusk, yet one study reported a decrease in deer sightings in the evening that seemed to correspond to a peak in human traffic. However, the cause-and-effect relationship between human traffic and deer daily movements has …

Lifelines Fall 2021, Southern Adventist University

Lifelines - Biology Department Newsletter

The Fall 2021 issue of Lifelines contains articles on a former biology student, information on student research, the Palau Adventist Wellness Center, and Department Happenings.

Effects Of Environmentally Relevant Concentrations Of 4-Methyl-1- Cyclohexanemethanol (Mchm) On General Esterase And Glutathione-S-Transferase Activity In Fathead Minnows (Pimephales Promela), Emily De Wind

Research in Biology

Abstract

In 2014, several thousand gallons of coal-processing chemicals, which included 4-methyl-1- cyclohexanemethanol (MCHM), spilled into the Elk River in West Virginia. The location of this spill in West Virginia’s chemical valley is historically significant in defining the exploitations of people residing in this area. The concentration of crude MCHM in the river was approximated at 0.15 µg/L. Although some initial studies did consider the effects of MCHM exposure on humans, little attention has been given to aquatic wildlife. In this project, I will expose fathead minnows, Pimephales promelas, an environmentally relevant species, to concentrations of MCHM between zero …

Histology Of Psoriasis, Allan Roy Sison

Campus Research Day

I will be presenting a research study on the comparison of the histology of normal skin versus the histology of individuals with Psoriasis.

Correlation Between Abundance Of Fossils In Harvester Ant Nest And Proximity Of Fossil Sites, Hayeong Woo

Campus Research Day

Harvester ants have an interesting behavior of bone collecting. Therefore, harvester ant nests that are positioned around the fossil sites contain various fossil fragments. If there is a statistically significant correlation between the abundance of fossil fragments and the distance of the ant nests from the main fossil sites, ant nests can potentially be used to predict the proximity of the main fossil sites.

Lifelines Winter 2021, Southern Adventist University

Lifelines - Biology Department Newsletter

The Winter 2021 issue of Lifelines contains articles on Insights from the Professor, Alumni Spotlight, Students in Service, and Department Happenings.

Lifelines Fall 2020, Southern Adventist University

Lifelines - Biology Department Newsletter

The Fall 2020 issue of Lifelines contains articles on Insights from the Professor, Alumni Highlight, and Department Happenings.

Risk Assessment And The Effects Of Refuge Availability On The Defensive Behaviors Of The Southern Unstriped Scorpion (Vaejovis Carolinianus), David R. Nelsen, Emily M. David, Chad N. Harty, Joseph B. Hector, Aaron G. Corbit

Faculty Works

Selection should favor individuals that acquire, process, and act on relevant environmental signals to avoid predation. Studies have found that scorpions control their use of venom: both when it is released and the total volume expelled. However, this research has not included how a scorpion’s awareness of environmental features influences these decisions. The current study tested 18 Vaejovis carolinianus scorpions (nine females and nine males) by placing them in circular arenas supplied with varying numbers (zero, two, or four) of square refuges and by tracking their movements overnight. The following morning, defensive behaviors were elicited by prodding scorpions on the …

Does Devotion To God Push You Away From Science?: Using Religiosity To Assessing The Impact Of The Religion/Science Conflict Perspective On The Choice Of Academic Major Among Undergraduate Students At A Religious Institution, Jonathan Shephard, Tron Wilder, Aaron Corbit

Senior Research Projects

Religion and science are often perceived to be in conflict. Science is thought to deal with facts and evidence while religion is thought to deal only with faith. This conflict perspective is pervasive in modern society and can manifest itself in many ways. One way it may exert its influence is in the academic decisions made by college students. Students who are less religious may be more likely to choose science majors while those who are more religious may avoid science majors. While research does support this hypothesis in a broad sense, there may be special cases where the impact …

Preliminary Investigation Of The Effects Of Sex And Electrical Venom Extraction On Venom Composition In The Southern Devil Scorpion, Vaejovis Carolinianus, Chase Czaykowsky

Senior Research Projects

No abstract provided.

Lifelines Spring 2020, Southern Adventist University

Lifelines - Biology Department Newsletter

The Spring 2020 issue of Lifelines contains articles on Insights from the Professor, Students in Service, Departments Happenings, and The Amazing Gift of Hearing.

Lifelines Winter 2020, Southern Adventist University

Lifelines - Biology Department Newsletter

The Winter 2020 issue of Lifelines contains articles on students in service, insights from the professor, and departmental happenings.

Lifelines Fall 2019, Southern Adventist University

Lifelines - Biology Department Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Combating Drug Resistance - Comparison Of The Antibiotic Effect Of Hydrastis Canadensis Extract And Pure Berberine Via Minimum Inhibitory Concentration Assay, William Luke Scott, Timothy D. Trott

Research in Biology

Herbal medicines are a melee of complex organic chemicals, making it difficult to ascertain their direct mechanism of action. In contrast to mainstream pharmaceuticals, it is argued that herbal medicines are effective because of multiple constituents working synergistically. The complexity of herbal medicines may give them advantages over simpler pharmaceuticals in combating antibiotic resistant microbes, but these advantages can be difficult to quantitate. Popular literature frequently espouses the healing properties of herbal medicines, but many of these claims are not scientifically supported. Many gains could be realized in public health and medicine if more research was aimed at validating / …

The Phytoremediative Effects Of Coriandrum Sativum In Lead Contaminated Soil, Sierra D. Garrett, Timothy Trott

Research in Biology

Environmental exposure to heavy metals such as lead pose a significant health threat. The goal of this project was to evaluate the effectiveness of Coriandrum sativum (Cilantro) as a potential lead (II), Pb²⁺, phytoremediator. C. sativumplants were allowed to grow for 43 days while exposed to with different amounts of lead nitrate, Pb(NO₃)₂. Lead exposure was accomplished by regular watering with a concentration series of lead nitrate solutions. The roots and shoots of these plants were separated and dried. Ground plant material was liquefied by nitric acid digestion. The amount of lead absorbed …

Quantifying The Effects Of Trail Traffic On Nearby Plant Communities And Implications For Trail Users, Eli Robinson, Lein Turley

Achieve

Human activities, such as hiking and biking, have been shown to reduce the height, coverage, and species richness of vegetation along trail systems. Yet, research on the effects of such activities on Tennessee trail systems is limited. The goal of this study is twofold. First, it is to identify to what possible extent these activities along the White Oak Mountain trail system (Southern Adventist University) have on wildflower population abundance and diversity. Secondary, it is to discuss whether the mental health advantages of being outdoors outweigh possible adverse effects that human activity has on nature. Ten permanent quadrats were set …

The Phytoremediative Effects Of Cilantro (Coriandrum Sativum) In Lead Contaminated Soil, Sierra D. Garrett, Timothy D. Trott

Research in Biology

Environmental exposure to heavy metals such as lead pose a significant health threat. The goal of this project was to evaluate the effectiveness of Coriandrum sativum (Cilantro) as a potential lead (II), Pb²⁺, phytoremediator. C. sativumplants were allowed to grow for 43 days while exposed to with different amounts of lead nitrate, Pb(NO₃)₂. Lead exposure was accomplished by regular watering with a concentration series of lead nitrate solutions. The roots and shoots of these plants were separated and dried. Ground plant material was liquefied by nitric acid digestion. The amount of lead absorbed …

Comparative Analysis Of Four Dna Preparation Kits For Quercus Falcata, Palustris, And Rubra Dna Extractions And Subsequent Dna Sequencing, Devin Cummins, Timothy D. Trott

Research in Biology

In 2011, of the 8.7 million species of lif suspected to populate the globe only 1.2 million had been catalogued and it was estimated that 1,200 years would pass before the remainder were processed, allowing the possibility that some species would go extinct before they were even discovered (Mora, Tittensor, Adl, Simpson, & Worm, 2011). DNA barcoding may provide an answer to this problem. According to Hebert and Gregory, “DNA barcoding will accelerate the pace of species discovery by allowing taxonomists to rapidly sort specimens... by highlighting divergent taxa that may represent new species… and by making species identifications more …

Lifelines Winter 2019, Southern Adventist University

Lifelines - Biology Department Newsletter

The Winter 2019 issue of Lifelines contains articles on student missions in Micronesia, an alumni spotlight, and a pictorial directory of the 2019 biology and allied health graduates.

Lifelines Fall 2018, Southern Adventist University

Lifelines - Biology Department Newsletter

The Fall 2018 issue of Lifelines features articles on the pre-medical academic summer camp, task force work at Madison Academy, an alumni spotlight, the new Nature and Revelation podcast, and the arrival of MCAT test prep.

Method For The Detection Of 17-B-Estradiol In Wastewater Facility Effluents Using Hplc, Alexa Mariah Fisher, Benjamin J. Thornton

Research in Biology

Studies of the effects of estrogen in aquatic ecosystems largely focus on fish. In fish, estrogen reduces fecundity in females, reduces testicular development and fertility in males, and alters vitellogenin production in both sexes. One way estrogens enter aquatic environments is via wastewater effluents. Effluent samples from the Moccasin Bend Wastewater Treatment Facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee were tested for the presence of 17-beta-estradiol (E2), using an Agilent 1260 Infinity LC (HPLC). We were not able to detect the presence of E2 in these samples with the methods described. However, when effluent samples were spiked with stock E2 (final concentration of …