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Binding Partners Of The Pho U Protein In E .Coli, Dustin C. Higgins, Dr. William Mccleary Sep 2013

Binding Partners Of The Pho U Protein In E .Coli, Dustin C. Higgins, Dr. William Mccleary

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The Escherechia coli phosphate detection system is coded by a set of genes in the bacterium and is used to regulate phosphate production for metabolic processes. These genes make the PstSCAB phosphate transporter, PhoU protein, Alkaline Phosphatase, PhoR protein, and the PhoB protein. When phosphate is low in the cell’s environment, the system is activated to produce Alkaline Phosphatase.

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Molecular Evolution And The Effects Of Amelioration In Meloidogyne Incognita, Adler R. Dillman, Dr. Byron J. Adams Sep 2013

Molecular Evolution And The Effects Of Amelioration In Meloidogyne Incognita, Adler R. Dillman, Dr. Byron J. Adams

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The process of horizontal or lateral gene transfer involves the movement of genetic information in a lateral fashion from one organism to another, regardless of phylogenetic distance. Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is a major mechanism of prokaryotic evolution while its role in eukaryotic evolution remains undecided, with many claims of genes being laterally transferred from prokaryotes to eukaryotes being subsequently refuted [1,2]. Recently, 12 genes of the plant parasite M. incognita have been proposed as being good candidates of HGT. Because certain rhizobial bacteria occupy a very similar niche both inside and out of the plant, and use many of …

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Critical Parameters Influencing Chemical-Induced Apoptosis In Human Lymphoid Cell Lines, Matthew Ben Cook, Dr. Kim L. O'Neill Sep 2013

Critical Parameters Influencing Chemical-Induced Apoptosis In Human Lymphoid Cell Lines, Matthew Ben Cook, Dr. Kim L. O'Neill

Journal of Undergraduate Research

In 2005, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) reported that an estimated 10.9 million new cases of cancer were diagnosed in the year 2002 (for a total of 24.6 million persons currently living with cancer) and that 6.7 million deaths were attributable to cancer[1]. Around 300,000 new cases of leukemia, with 222,000 new deaths, were also reported. In many cases, the occurrence of cancer in an individual can be attributed to lifestyle choices, such as smoking, diet, exercise, work environment, etc. However, there are also genetic contributors to cancer.

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Characterization Of Phase-Switching Genes In Photorhabdus Luminescens, Tj Bliss, Dr. Byron J. Adams Sep 2013

Characterization Of Phase-Switching Genes In Photorhabdus Luminescens, Tj Bliss, Dr. Byron J. Adams

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Nearly every living organism derives benefit from living with one or more species of bacteria during some or all of its lifetime. Numerous studies have described the phenotypic benefit that each or either partner receives from associations of this kind, but the molecular mechanisms of such interactions have not been well described. Understanding beneficial bacterial interactions with their hosts are of interest in that information obtained will have implications in identifying mechanistic components of those interactions that may operate similarly in pathogens and can be exploited in combating infection or in describing the interactions between bacteria and more complex organisms …

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Description Of A Novel Mutant Entemopathogenic Bacterium Photorhabdus Luminescence, George Bailey, Dr. Byron J. Adams Sep 2013

Description Of A Novel Mutant Entemopathogenic Bacterium Photorhabdus Luminescence, George Bailey, Dr. Byron J. Adams

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The bacterium Photorhabdus luminescence and the nematode Heterorhabditis bacteriophora share an intimate symbiotic relationship. Together, the pair preys on insect larva in the soil. Infective juvenile (IJ) nematodes seek out insect hosts by following chemical signals, such as CO2, given off by potential hosts. After locating the insect, IJs quickly invade the larva. In their new home, the nematodes regurgitate the bacteria they have been harboring in their gut. The bacteria immediately begin attacking the insect and then multiply within the fresh cadaver. The nematodes feed on the proliferating bacteria, sexually develop, and reproduce. In addition to acting as the …

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Antarctic Soil Microbial Food Webs: Molecular Analysis Of Nematode Gut Contents, Kyle Winkler, Dr. Byron Adams Sep 2013

Antarctic Soil Microbial Food Webs: Molecular Analysis Of Nematode Gut Contents, Kyle Winkler, Dr. Byron Adams

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Soils are the basis of agriculture and the sustainability of life as we know it. Despite this fact, we know very little about soil ecosystem function and what biotic organization is required for effective nutrient cycling in soils. In this project, I attempted to better our understanding of soil food web relationships in a simple, natural ecosystem.

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A Novel Asymmetric Phase-Transfer Catalyzed Approach To The Compounds Ragaglitazar And Kuarsoin A, D. Karl Bedke Sep 2013

A Novel Asymmetric Phase-Transfer Catalyzed Approach To The Compounds Ragaglitazar And Kuarsoin A, D. Karl Bedke

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Asymmetric glycolate alkylation plays a key role in the synthesis of complex biologically active compounds. Such asymmetric transformations have largely to date been accomplished by employing chiral auxiliaries which have shown remarkable success in asymmetric synthesis. However, auxiliaries must also be used in stoichiometric amounts and can become quite expensive. A catalytic approach to asymmetric glycolate alkylations presents an attractive option to the use of auxiliaries. Andrus2,3 et al. have recently developed a methodology utilizing phase-transfer catalyst 1 for alkylation of a novel alkoxyacetophenone substrate 2 that can be readily oxidized to its glycolic ester derivative to provide access to …

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Tissue And Intracellular Distribution Kinetics Of Vitamin K, David Hunt, Dr. Robert Davidson Sep 2013

Tissue And Intracellular Distribution Kinetics Of Vitamin K, David Hunt, Dr. Robert Davidson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

In June of 2003 I began studying the metabolism kinetics of vitamin K in the Sprague-Dawley rat under the tutelage of Dr. Robert Davidson. This work has since developed into the body of my proposed Master’s thesis. This letter is intended to communicate the progress of this research.

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Degeneration Of Articular Cartilage In The Temporomandibluar Joint Of Mice With Disproportionate Micromelia (Dmm), Robert R. Seegmiller Sep 2013

Degeneration Of Articular Cartilage In The Temporomandibluar Joint Of Mice With Disproportionate Micromelia (Dmm), Robert R. Seegmiller

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Osteoarthritis is a common degenerative joint disease affecting humans today. This disease leads to premature degradation of articular cartilage in joints, such as the knee, and it can be caused by mutations in collagen coding genes. Collagen is the basic building block of cartilage, so any mutations would affect the response of collagen to outside factors.

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Type Iia Procollagen – Osteoarthritis Biomarker In Dmm Mice, John Mcallister, Kenneth Merrell, Dr. Robert E. Seegmiller Sep 2013

Type Iia Procollagen – Osteoarthritis Biomarker In Dmm Mice, John Mcallister, Kenneth Merrell, Dr. Robert E. Seegmiller

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Arthritis is a painful, debilitating disease that affects sixty-six million Americans (The Arthritis Foundation 2005). Osteoarthritis (OA), results in joint degeneration caused by cartilage erosion and synovial inflammation. While the causes of OA remain unclear, current evidence suggests that both mechanical and biochemical factors can initiate OA. Ethical and practical issues limiting the availability of human tissue in OA research necessitate the use of animal models. Mice with the disproportionate micromelia mutation (Dmm) exhibit histological characteristics similar to those of humans with OA. Use of Dmm as a model of OA may lead a discovery of a common mechanism associated …

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Does Addition Of The Snare Protein Snap-25 To Syntaxin 1a Enhance Fusion Rates Of Modified Synaptic Vesicles In A System Containing The Minimum Vesicle Fusion Machinery?, Jeremy Curtis, Dr. Dixon Woodbury Sep 2013

Does Addition Of The Snare Protein Snap-25 To Syntaxin 1a Enhance Fusion Rates Of Modified Synaptic Vesicles In A System Containing The Minimum Vesicle Fusion Machinery?, Jeremy Curtis, Dr. Dixon Woodbury

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The original intent of my project was to compare the fusion rates of synaptic vesicles to a syntaxin artificial membrane with and without SNAP-25. Recent research has shown that modified synaptic vesicles may fuse to a syntaxin-only bilayer . Prior to this, the major dogma of the SNARE-induced hypothesis of vesicle fusion has included SNAP-25 as a necessary component.

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Untitled, Legg Barzee Sep 2013

Untitled, Legg Barzee

Journal of Undergraduate Research

We have previously shown that treatment of LNCaP human prostate cancer cells with a serum-achievable concentration of a biologically relevant form of selenium (Se) dramatically reduces binding of the transcription factor NF-kappaB to its DNA response element, and reduces by half the transcription rates and steady state mRNA levels for anti-apoptotic and other NF-kappaB regulated genes. However, the activation of NF-kappaB is a multistep process (See Figure 1). It is possible that Se could affect various steps in that process ultimately resulting in a decreased binding to DNA. The purpose of this work was to identify those steps in the …

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Molecular Dynamics Of Nystatin Dimers, Brian Knudson, Dr. Dixon J. Woodbury Sep 2013

Molecular Dynamics Of Nystatin Dimers, Brian Knudson, Dr. Dixon J. Woodbury

Journal of Undergraduate Research

As the original goal of the project was to investigate the channel-forming mechanism of Nystatin, I began the project as outlined in the proposal.

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Utilizing Guanidinium Cations To Reveal The Structural And Energetic Consequences Of Covalently Linking Malonyl Gramicidin Monomers, James E. Ricks, David Busath Sep 2013

Utilizing Guanidinium Cations To Reveal The Structural And Energetic Consequences Of Covalently Linking Malonyl Gramicidin Monomers, James E. Ricks, David Busath

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The existence of multicellular organisms is dependent on the concerted activities of scores of individual cells. These vital communication links are supplied by hosts of receptors, hormones, and trans-membrane channels. One of these key links is the gramicidin ion channel, a helical peptide which when dimerized forms an uncharged channel spanning its host membrane.1

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Chondrocyte Apoptosis As A Biomarker In Animal Models Of Osteoarthritis, Luke M. Gessel, Dr. Robert E. Seegmiller Sep 2013

Chondrocyte Apoptosis As A Biomarker In Animal Models Of Osteoarthritis, Luke M. Gessel, Dr. Robert E. Seegmiller

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Apoptosis, or “programmed cell death”, is one process used by cells to terminate their existence. The phenomenon of an increase of apoptotic cell death in cases of osteoarthritis (OA) has recently become a much disputed topic among laboratories dedicated to the advancement of OA research . The standard progression of OA, based on our current knowledge, shows an increase in cellularity, or cell density, of the cartilage cells known as chondrocytes, followed by a subsequent decrease in this chondrocyte cellularity and a breakdown of the cartilage. Apoptosis would provide a mechanism through which this rapid decrease in cellularity may occur, …

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The Effects Of Galantamine On The Kinetics Of Heteromeric Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors, Sean Georgi, Dr. Sterling Sudweeks Sep 2013

The Effects Of Galantamine On The Kinetics Of Heteromeric Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors, Sean Georgi, Dr. Sterling Sudweeks

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Modern medicine has dramatically increased the lifespan of individuals in industrialized societies, leading to large populations of elderly adults. With this lengthened lifespan, however, has come an increased incidence in age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. The causes of these diseases are enigmatic and complex, making them difficult to cure or prevent. Rather, current treatments try to delay or slow the progression of such diseases. One such treatment for Alzheimer’s disease involves the drug galantamine, derived from a natural compound in daffodil bulbs. Studies have begun to elucidate the mechanisms through which galantamine alleviates Alzheimer’s disease symptoms, and this project’s …

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Determining Secretory Phospholipase A2 Binding Properties Through The Fluorescent Probe Nystatin, Rachel Williams Bailey, Dr. John Bell Sep 2013

Determining Secretory Phospholipase A2 Binding Properties Through The Fluorescent Probe Nystatin, Rachel Williams Bailey, Dr. John Bell

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Nystatin is a fluorescent molecule that has recently been characterized as a probe of phospholipid properties in artificial membranes. The hypothesis purported by my research group was that nystatin binds preferentially to the boundary between ordered and disordered phases of phospholipids in both artificial and biological membranes. My project was to test this hypothesis in biological membranes. By further characterizing nystatin as a probe, our group would have another tool with which to understand the binding properties of the enzyme secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2). Secretory PLA2 adsorbs to the surface of cells and hydrolyzes membrane phospholipids to release free fatty …

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The Maya Defensive Earthworks And Agricultural Land Use Of Tikal, Ryan Sweetwood, Dr. Richard Terry Sep 2013

The Maya Defensive Earthworks And Agricultural Land Use Of Tikal, Ryan Sweetwood, Dr. Richard Terry

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Concurrent with the settlement surveys and excavations, Soil scientist from Brigham Young University and from Guatemala examined 62 soil profiles and collected soil samples for analysis at the Brigham Young University soil and plant analysis laboratory. The samples are currently being characterized for physical and chemical properties at the laboratory. Stable carbon isotopes will be analyzed to investigate the extent of ancient maize agriculture in the areas inside and outside the earthwork, using methods recently applied in several parts of the Maya Lowlands (Jensen 2003; Jensen et al. nd; Webb et al., nd; Webb, Henry, and Healy 2004). The soil …

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Overcoming Anthropogenic Impediments Of Reintroduced Bighorn Sheep Populations In North-Central Utah, Loren Chase Sep 2013

Overcoming Anthropogenic Impediments Of Reintroduced Bighorn Sheep Populations In North-Central Utah, Loren Chase

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) were historically abundant in many places in Utah, however, when the area was settled, humans brought with them many causes for bighorn extermination. Unregulated hunting, competition for resources by livestock, reduced water availability, reduce range quantity, home range encroachment, and the lungworm/pneumonia complex are all major reasons as to why the bighorns are threatened in the western states (Enk 2001, Karpowitz and Stewart 2000, Smith et al. 1988, Smith and Flinders 1992). The first two problems were handled at the socio-political level, by managing people rather than wildlife. However water scarcity persists, urban sprawl continues to …

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Erick Reece Christensen, Erick Reece Christensen Sep 2013

Erick Reece Christensen, Erick Reece Christensen

Journal of Undergraduate Research

During the past semester I have made chimeric molecules using the chemokine MEC and human IgG3.

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Reconstructing The Phylogeographic History Of The Chilea Catfish (Trichomycterus Areolatus), Andre Bennin, Dr. Jerald B. Johnson Sep 2013

Reconstructing The Phylogeographic History Of The Chilea Catfish (Trichomycterus Areolatus), Andre Bennin, Dr. Jerald B. Johnson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The current geographic distribution of Chilean freshwater fishes has likely been shaped by several abiotic factors, including fragmentation caused by the Pacific Ocean, glaciers that covered the entire southern part of Chile during the Pleistocene Epoch, and orogenic and volcanic activity. Exactly how these factors have impacted population histories of Chilean freshwater fishes remains unknown. In this project, we examined the phylogeographic history of the freshwater catfish Trichomycterus areolatus, a species native to Chile that occurs across most of the latitudinal range of this country (Fig. 1). Given the distribution and ubiquity of this species, we anticipate that the results …

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Establishing Isotopic Patterns Among Rock Pools, Heather Semon, Kent Hatch Sep 2013

Establishing Isotopic Patterns Among Rock Pools, Heather Semon, Kent Hatch

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Isotopic analysis with natural markers has been applied to tracking the migration of birds and butterflies as well as many other species over large geographic scales.1-4 We wanted to zoom in on a much smaller scale and determine whether stable isotopes could be used to track the small-scale dispersal of insects among rock pools and tenajas (a series of rock pools in a drainage).5 Stable isotopes have been used to study aquatic invertebrate dispersal and metapopulation dynamics by artificially spiking water sources with 15N-enriched NH4Cl. 6,7 However, it is not known how this chemical may have altered the ecology of …

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Evolution Of Thrips (Thysanoptera) Phylogenetic Patterns And Mitochondrial Genome Evolution, Mark Terry, Dr. Michael Whiting Sep 2013

Evolution Of Thrips (Thysanoptera) Phylogenetic Patterns And Mitochondrial Genome Evolution, Mark Terry, Dr. Michael Whiting

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Thysanoptera (thrips) is an order of insects currently comprised of 7400 species, 1200 genus-groups, and nine living families with three fossil families (Mound, 2005). Two major suborders are recognized in Thysanoptera: Tubulifera (thrips with abdominal segment 10 tubular in shape) and Terebrantia (thrips with abdominal segment 10 subdivided ventrally).

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Geneworkshop: A Dynamic, Developing Environment For Biologists, Computer Scientists, And Bioinformaticians, Joshua Sailsbery, Dr. David Mcclellan Sep 2013

Geneworkshop: A Dynamic, Developing Environment For Biologists, Computer Scientists, And Bioinformaticians, Joshua Sailsbery, Dr. David Mcclellan

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The GeneWorkshop project had one goal, to enable biologists to better utilize bioinformatic tools. Generally, bioinformatic tools have a large learning curve and are not very robust as to the data they accept. In order to meet these criteria, GeneWorkshop was separated into two main objectives. The first objective was the obtaining and maintaining of genetic data. The second objective was interpreting and implementing various bioinformatic software packages.

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Conservation Genetics Of Mexican Deer Mice, Melina C. Walden, Dr. Duke S. Rogers Sep 2013

Conservation Genetics Of Mexican Deer Mice, Melina C. Walden, Dr. Duke S. Rogers

Journal of Undergraduate Research

In the field of biology, the job of documenting, describing, and defining the species of the world is a critical, yet overwhelming task. By focusing research in a specific area of interest, however, scientists work to contribute one small piece at a time to the much larger puzzle. In researching the biological relationships between the Mexican deer mice Peromyscus megalops and P. melanurus, my project contributes to one of the primary goals of biology.

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In Quest Of Scientific Literacy And Civic Engagement: Innovations In Biology 100, Timothy Larsen, Dr. Gary M. Booth Sep 2013

In Quest Of Scientific Literacy And Civic Engagement: Innovations In Biology 100, Timothy Larsen, Dr. Gary M. Booth

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Scientific literacy is increasingly becoming a concern for citizens and consumers in a scientifically and medically advancing world. Service-Learning, Inquiry-Based Learning, and Concept Mapping have been implemented as a means of helping students to adopt deeper approaches to learning. It is the goal of my mentor, Dr. Gary Booth, to use these instructional methods to better prepare BYU students to participate as informed citizens and consumers in society.

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Cheatgrass, Scott A. Davis, Dr. Bruce Roundy Sep 2013

Cheatgrass, Scott A. Davis, Dr. Bruce Roundy

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The invasion of non-native species, mainly cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), into our rangelands, especially following the destruction caused by wildfires, has made it necessary to find viable options for the restoration of native plant species to these areas. The aim of this project was to determine whether or not it was possible to create models for the germination and seminal root growth of a suite of species using heat accumulation. By creating these models, we hoped to be able to discover other native species that not only compete with cheatgrass by establishing early, but provide a good food source for native …

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Population Structure Of The Cuttlefish Sepia Officinalis From The North Atlantic-Mediterranean Region, Mark Joseph Nolte, Dr. Keith Crandall, Marcos Pérez-Losada Sep 2013

Population Structure Of The Cuttlefish Sepia Officinalis From The North Atlantic-Mediterranean Region, Mark Joseph Nolte, Dr. Keith Crandall, Marcos Pérez-Losada

Journal of Undergraduate Research

An understanding of the relatedness of a population of organisms, or their phylogeny, combined with knowledge of that population’s geographical distribution, can illuminate which geographic forces and events may have played a role in forming the “family tree” of that organism. Therefore past speciation events and the incipient stages of speciation can be discerned when phylogenetic and geographic information is merged. This process, broadly known as the practice of phylogeography or biogeography, is important because it permits researchers to visualize the evolutionary interplay between environment and organism. Additionally, an understanding of an organism’s population structure, or family tree, enables scientists …

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Correctly Assigning Dna Barcodes To Organisms, James B. Finlay, Dr. Keith A. Crandall Sep 2013

Correctly Assigning Dna Barcodes To Organisms, James B. Finlay, Dr. Keith A. Crandall

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Harvard biologist Edward O. Wilson suggested that what makes humans unique is our innate need for closeness to other forms of life. This “biophilia” has been evident since recorded history and was brought to the forefront of science with Darwin’s famous writings about the origin of species. Since that time there has been a major thrust to categorize all life into groups and subgroups in a field known as taxonomy. There are an estimated 10-15 million extant species (Hammond, 1992) on the earth. Taxonomists have classified roughly 1.6 million of these organisms (Wilson, 1992), indicating that much work needs to …

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The Significance Of Isotopic Ratios In Migratory Pathways, Rachel Hart, Kent Hatch Sep 2013

The Significance Of Isotopic Ratios In Migratory Pathways, Rachel Hart, Kent Hatch

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Stable isotope research is an important asset in securing the migratory paths of birds. By matching elemental isotopic ratios in different parts of a bird’s body to the water it drinks, important stopover sites may be conserved and the biological phenomenon of migration may be preserved. Thus far, such research among migratory birds has suggested a positive correlation between certain elemental isotopic ratios found in water sources and those in the composition of bird feathers. Hydrogen (δD) and oxygen (18O and 16O) isotopes have been examined in scientific literature but have not been tested thoroughly, as there are still many …

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