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Effects Of Inundation Length On Fairy Shrimp, Tammy Behunin, Russell Rader Sep 2013

Effects Of Inundation Length On Fairy Shrimp, Tammy Behunin, Russell Rader

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Phyllopods (fairy shrimp, tadpole shrimp, and clam shrimp) are the species that best characterize freshwater rock pool communities around the world because of their unique adaptations to temporary conditions. The fairy shrimp, Branchinecta packardi, is one of the most abundant animals in temporary rock pools of the Colorado Plateau. Some rock pools can fill and dry in less than 2 days during the hottest part of the year (July). We conducted a study to examine the relationship between pool evaporation rates and rates of fairy shrimp development. The objectives of this study were to test two hypotheses: 1) fairy shrimp …

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Investigating Why Luminescence Genes Have Been Evolutionarily Preserved In Photorhabdus Luminescens, Dana Blackburn, Dr. Byron J. Adams Sep 2013

Investigating Why Luminescence Genes Have Been Evolutionarily Preserved In Photorhabdus Luminescens, Dana Blackburn, Dr. Byron J. Adams

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Photorhabdus luminescens is a gram-negative bacterial endosymbiont of the insect pathogenic nematode Heterorhabditis bacteriophera. After the nematode infects an insect it releases bacteria from its gut into the insect. The bacteria then produce a toxin that kills the insect providing a nutrient rich environment for the nematode to grow and reproduce. When all of the nutrients are gone the nematode reassociates itself with the bacteria and moves on to the next insect.

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Characterization Of A Dna Helicase Gene That Targets Sub-Cellular Organelles In Arabidopsis Thaliana, Logan Hazard, Dr. Brent Nielsen Sep 2013

Characterization Of A Dna Helicase Gene That Targets Sub-Cellular Organelles In Arabidopsis Thaliana, Logan Hazard, Dr. Brent Nielsen

Journal of Undergraduate Research

DNA helicases are essential to the development of all living organisms. The function of these proteins is to temporarily separate duplex DNA, allowing for transcription, replication, recombination, and repair to take place. The Pif1p subfamily of helicases found in yeast specifically targets sub-cellular organelles, notably the mitochondria.

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The Orthopteran Mitochondrial Genome And The Evolution Of Genes, J. Daniel Fenn, Dr. Michael F. Whiting Sep 2013

The Orthopteran Mitochondrial Genome And The Evolution Of Genes, J. Daniel Fenn, Dr. Michael F. Whiting

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The insect order Orthoptera contains the common name groups of Grasshoppers, Katydids and Crickets. We sequenced the entire mitochondrial genome of the Mormon Cricket (Anabrus simplex). Within this genome we found interesting evidence relating to the organization and evolution of mitochondrial genomes. In particular we focus on the secondary structure of messenger RNA molecules, and the role they play in determining gene separation and cleavage. We also examined the A+T-rich region of fifty-five mormon cricket individuals from seven populations and compared the variability within this region. This has led to a better understanding of the evolution of genomes within populations.

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Speciation By Reproductive Isolation, Ian Dawson, Dr. Jerry Johnson Sep 2013

Speciation By Reproductive Isolation, Ian Dawson, Dr. Jerry Johnson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The Ecological Speciation Hypothesis is a controversial explanation for how new species form. Although the idea is gaining momentum, there have been very few empirical tests of this model. Hence, our research is very timely and addresses what could be a common process by which new species form. Our research will address the effect of differences in predation pressure on the evolution of mating behavior. It will be one of only three studies to examine if predation can lead to reproductive isolation.

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Effects Of Fasting On Oxygen Stable Isotope Ratios, Bryt Christensen, Kent Hatch Sep 2013

Effects Of Fasting On Oxygen Stable Isotope Ratios, Bryt Christensen, Kent Hatch

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The purpose of my project was to see if fasting has any effect on oxygen stable isotope ratios. Oxygen isotopes are molecules of oxygen that weigh more or less than normal oxygen 16 because they have more or less electrons. Stable isotopes are used as a scientific tool in many fields to study a variety of things. Among many applications, they are widely used by ecologists to study migration patterns and they have also been used to study the diets of animals.

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Watering Snakes, Samuel Hirt, Kent Hatch Sep 2013

Watering Snakes, Samuel Hirt, Kent Hatch

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Stable isotope research is a relatively new and innovative tool in ecology. Studies have been done with stable isotopes to determine migration patterns, diet, and evidence for nutritional stress and much more. Little has been done with stable isotopes and reptiles. We conducted a stable isotope, pilot study that will help us understand what happens with snakes in relation to temperature and oxygen and hydrogen turnover ratios in water.

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Phylogeography And Species Boundaries In The Lesser Treefrog Hyla Minuta In The Guiana Shield, Montt A. Hawkins, Dr. Jack W. Sites Jr., Dr. Brice P. Noonan Sep 2013

Phylogeography And Species Boundaries In The Lesser Treefrog Hyla Minuta In The Guiana Shield, Montt A. Hawkins, Dr. Jack W. Sites Jr., Dr. Brice P. Noonan

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The lesser tree frog (Hyla minuta) is found in abundance throughout most of South America. Earlier studies have suggested that this taxon includes populations which differ significantly in ecological (Cardoso & Haddad, 1994) and morphological (Kaplan, 1994) characteristics (fig 1), and may include unrecognized species. Noticeable phenotypic variation occurs among populations (Figure 1). However to date little work has been done to determine the number of species that may be masquerading under the identity of H. minuta.

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Nuclear Localization Of Gdf5 Is Mediated By A Bipartite Nuclear Localization Signal, J. Daniel Jensen, Dr. Laura Bridgewater Sep 2013

Nuclear Localization Of Gdf5 Is Mediated By A Bipartite Nuclear Localization Signal, J. Daniel Jensen, Dr. Laura Bridgewater

Journal of Undergraduate Research

GDF5, also known as cartilage-derived morphogenetic protein-1 (CDMP1), is a member of the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) protein superfamily. TGFβ proteins play an integral role in cell proliferation and differentiation, matrix synthesis, and apoptosis. First identified in 1981, highly-conserved TGFβ protein homologues have since been identified in a wide range of animal species, a compelling indication of their importance in biological function.

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Hormonal Effects On Antibody-Secreting Cell Migration, Brad Hyatt, Dr. Eric Wilson Sep 2013

Hormonal Effects On Antibody-Secreting Cell Migration, Brad Hyatt, Dr. Eric Wilson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

I started by following the injection protocol established by Weisz-Carrington , et al., administering 5 mg of progesterone and 4 µg of estrogen daily for 21 days, followed by 7 days of 2 mg of prolactin. Since progesterone and estrogen are lipid-soluble, olive oil was used as a solvent; unfortunately, even with heat and time, the lipid solvent never fully dissolved the hormones that we bought in powder form. Consequently, I was injecting more of a suspension than a solution, and I was never sure that all the hormone was delivered, or how much had been delivered in a form …

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Characterizing The Receptor Profile Of Distinct Migrating Iga Antibody Secreting Cell Populations, Erick Christensen, Dr. Eric Wilson Sep 2013

Characterizing The Receptor Profile Of Distinct Migrating Iga Antibody Secreting Cell Populations, Erick Christensen, Dr. Eric Wilson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Cells of the immune system must be precisely positioned to facilitate appropriate lymphocyte function. Immune system cells use a multi-step process, which allows them to home to specific areas of the body and perform different tasks. Cells traveling through the blood stream will bind to specific vascular adhesion molecules and begin to slow down and roll along the blood vessel. Circulating white blood cells express chemokine receptors that bind chemokines floating in the blood and chemokines expressed on the membrane of other cells. When the proper chemokine is bound it triggers the white blood cell to firmly adhere to the …

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Experiment Three, - - Sep 2013

Experiment Three, - -

Journal of Undergraduate Research

In order to demonstrate the presence of hydrocarbon biodegradation in a hypersaline aqueous environment an isotopic method of analysis was employed. The relative 13C abundance of Great Salt Lake’s HCO3- in equilibrium with atmosphere and fossil hydrocarbon are quite different. By creating microcosms using the sediment of Rozel Point and allowing the microbial activity to occur over a 12 week timeframe, data were collected regarding the change of CO2 concentration and the isotopic signature of the 13C in HCO3- of the microcosm water. A shift in the isotopic signature from the 13C levels of the HCO3- in equilibrium with atmosphere …

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Intestinal Nematodes Of Lake Trout (Salvelinusnamaycush): An, Sandra B. Bay, Dr. Richard A. Heckmann Sep 2013

Intestinal Nematodes Of Lake Trout (Salvelinusnamaycush): An, Sandra B. Bay, Dr. Richard A. Heckmann

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Recently, a non-endemic species of fish, Salvelinus namaycush, was introduced into Yellowstone Lake. These lake trout feed on the native cutthroat trout, an important food source for higher predators in the area. During routine examinations of the lake trout, an abnormally high infection of intestinal nematodes was discovered. These intestinal nematodes are also found in the endemic lake trout in nearby Lewis Lake, but at a lower level of infection.

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Formation, Functionalization, Characterization, And Applications Of A Mixed-Mode, Carbon/Diamond-Based, Core-Shell Phase For High Performance Liquid Chromatography, Landon A. Wiest Sep 2013

Formation, Functionalization, Characterization, And Applications Of A Mixed-Mode, Carbon/Diamond-Based, Core-Shell Phase For High Performance Liquid Chromatography, Landon A. Wiest

Theses and Dissertations

My work has focused on a variety of different types of diamond-based, core-shell particles. These particles are formed with inert cores and poly(allylamine)/nanodiamond shells. Their intended purpose is to form an LC stationary phase that is stable from pH 1 – 14 and at elevated temperatures. At the beginning of my studies, the particles that had been made in the Linford laboratory were pH stable, but irregular and had poor mechanical stability. Since that time, I have worked to improve the particles by using more spherical zirconia and carbon cores, and I have improved their mechanical stability via chemical crosslinking …

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What Is In Your Picnic Basket, Hailey Billings, Dr. Beverley Roeder Sep 2013

What Is In Your Picnic Basket, Hailey Billings, Dr. Beverley Roeder

Journal of Undergraduate Research

My project made inroads in the field of wild animal nutrition using stable isotope ratios to reconstruct diets in free ranging American Black Bears. This information will help develop diets that improve health and reproduction, and aid prevention of diseases and ailments such as obesity, arthritis, allergies and nutritional deficiencies, in bears maintained in zoos, and artificial habitats.

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Survey Of Nematocerous Flies (Diptera) Of Maupiti, French Polynesia, Limb Hapairai, Dr. C. Riley Nelson Sep 2013

Survey Of Nematocerous Flies (Diptera) Of Maupiti, French Polynesia, Limb Hapairai, Dr. C. Riley Nelson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Maupiti is a small island located west of Tahiti, French Polynesia. Its isolation from the economic center of Papeete (capital of French Polynesia) has allowed its fauna and flora to stay relatively intact for many years. It’s size and topography also makes this island a good candidate for extensive studies on flies. However little is known about the distribution of species from all 120 islands of French Polynesia since little studies have been done on these islands. Now surveying has become an even more complex problem because endemic and foreign species are given new habitats. For example a monoculture of …

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Transgenic Rescue Of Disproportionate Micromelia (Dmm) Mice, Lisa Higgenbotham, Dr. Robert Seegmiller Sep 2013

Transgenic Rescue Of Disproportionate Micromelia (Dmm) Mice, Lisa Higgenbotham, Dr. Robert Seegmiller

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Microinjection is a technique used to introduce DNA into the genome of an animal at the embryo stage. It is an effective way to insert replacement, or rescue, copies of a gene that the embryo may be lacking. In this study, I prepared purified copies of the mouse Col2a1 gene and microinjected them into the pronuclei of single-cell mouse embryos. Col2a1 encodes type II collagen, a major component of cartilage. Mice carrying one or two mutant alleles of Col2a1 are characterized by developmental abnormalities, degenerative joint disease, and even death. This phenotype is observed in Disproportionate micromelia (Dmm) mice, which …

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Do Stable Isotope Turnover Rates In Ectotherm Tissues Change With Temperature?, Joseph Franckum, Kent Hatch Sep 2013

Do Stable Isotope Turnover Rates In Ectotherm Tissues Change With Temperature?, Joseph Franckum, Kent Hatch

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Examining the ratios of stable isotopes (non-decaying atoms with extra neutrons) in animal tissues can yield important information about an organism, such as detecting diet change or establishing migratory origin. Information gathered from these studies help develop future practices to care for certain species. A better understanding of an animal’s dietary capabilities will improve animal techniques.

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Microbial Diversity Associated With Different Sediment Types At Rozel Point, Sheena Deus, Dr. Donald Breakwell Sep 2013

Microbial Diversity Associated With Different Sediment Types At Rozel Point, Sheena Deus, Dr. Donald Breakwell

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The initial focus of this project was to examine possible differences in microbial populations between clay and sand sediments at Rozel Point in Great Salt Lake by comparing 16S ribosomal RNA sequences obtained from each sediment type.

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Preparation For Sequencing The Plasmid Pjp4, In Alcaligenes Eutrophus Jmp134, Nadine R. Wing, Dr. Alan R. Harker Sep 2013

Preparation For Sequencing The Plasmid Pjp4, In Alcaligenes Eutrophus Jmp134, Nadine R. Wing, Dr. Alan R. Harker

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Within the last fifty years a new herbicide, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) was introduced into the environment. Despite the novelty of the compound, several bacteria have the ability to degrade 2,4-D. In the bacteria there is a plasmid, pJP4, that contains genes, in the tfd region, which code for proteins that degrade 2,4-D. More information on this new metabolic pathway can be found once the tfd region is completely sequenced. Through sequencing and analysis, information concerning the evolution of the tfd pathway, the use of transposons or recombination for gene insertion, and the presence of repeated genes will be found.

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Salt Lake Aerial, Daniel Everett, Paul Adams Sep 2013

Salt Lake Aerial, Daniel Everett, Paul Adams

Journal of Undergraduate Research

My goal in approaching this project was to capture the unique and unconventional beauty found in the geographical layout and biological make-up of the Great Salt Lake and surrounding areas. Rather than taking a traditional approach to documenting this often-photographed landscape, I wanted to find a new way to reinvigorate the subject and further engage viewers by offering them a new perspective. My goal was to complete a series of large, color images of the area taken entirely from a low-flying airplane. By photographing this landscape from an altitude of approximately one thousand feet above ground level I would be …

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The Effect Of Estrone On The Interaction Between Phospholipase A And The Phospholipid Bilayer, Eric M. Troxell, Marci L. Troxell, Dr. Marci L. Troxell, John D. Bell Sep 2013

The Effect Of Estrone On The Interaction Between Phospholipase A And The Phospholipid Bilayer, Eric M. Troxell, Marci L. Troxell, Dr. Marci L. Troxell, John D. Bell

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Phospholipase A is a protein that interacts reversibly with the phospholipid bilayer of cell membranes. This interaction is affected by physical alterations in the bilayer, which can be caused by a variety of sources, including temperature and certain drugs. Cholesterol is one of the sources known to change the physical properties of the bilayer. It was hypothesized that estrone (Cl8H2202), which is similar in structure to cholesterol, would also affect the bilayer. Studying the effects of various drugs on the bilayer and phospholipase A2 can lead to greater understanding of the lipid/protein interactions occurring in cells.

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Growth Rates, Diet, And Distribution Of Pictetiella Expansa, A Rare Rocky Mountain Perlodidae Stonefly (Plecoptera), Sarah Walker, Dr. C. Riley Nelson Sep 2013

Growth Rates, Diet, And Distribution Of Pictetiella Expansa, A Rare Rocky Mountain Perlodidae Stonefly (Plecoptera), Sarah Walker, Dr. C. Riley Nelson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The stonefly Pictetiella expansa has been acknowledged as a species since the 1920s, yet little is known about this rare species of Perlodidae stonefly. The purpose of our study was to document the growth rates and feeding behaviors of Pictetiella expansa in the American Fork River as well as to document its current geographical distribution.

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Bone Ashing To Measure The Effects Of Vitamin K In Bone Mineral Density In Rats, Michael Draney, Dr. Robert Davidson Sep 2013

Bone Ashing To Measure The Effects Of Vitamin K In Bone Mineral Density In Rats, Michael Draney, Dr. Robert Davidson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Millions of people throughout the world suffer from osteoporosis. It is a degenerative disease that is characterized by increased bone fragility and decreased bone mineral and bone density.

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A Study Of Genetic Variation In Geographically Separated Populations Of Pediomelum Pariense, Asher Jones, Dr. Keith A. Crandall Sep 2013

A Study Of Genetic Variation In Geographically Separated Populations Of Pediomelum Pariense, Asher Jones, Dr. Keith A. Crandall

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Pediomelum pariense, also known as Paria River Indian Breadroot, has been listed by NatureServe as an imperiled organism because of its low population numbers. However, no state or federal agency has made any effort to promote the preservation of this species. Ashley Egan, PhD, designed a study with the purpose of changing that. Through the use of methods designed to measure genetic diversity, I was able to assist Dr. Egan in discovering if the amount of genetic variation that exists among the remaining P. pariense populations should be a cause of government concern.

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Organizing Byu’S Fungi Collection, Tess Blackwelder, Dr. Leigh Johnson Sep 2013

Organizing Byu’S Fungi Collection, Tess Blackwelder, Dr. Leigh Johnson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum at Brigham Young University houses many biological collections for study and display. Among the collections of insects, plants, fish, and mammals, there is also a fungi collection. This was donated to BYU by mycologist Kent McKnight (former BYU faculty) several years ago upon his death. Unfortunately, this collection had been rather neglected; it was neither organized, documented, nor accessible to others, and a complete inventory of the scope of the collection did not exist. My ORCA grant idea was to sort through the collection, set up an effective system of organization, create a …

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Testing Nuclear Primers, Nathaniel Ralston, Dr. Keith Crandall Sep 2013

Testing Nuclear Primers, Nathaniel Ralston, Dr. Keith Crandall

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Crustaceans are some of the richest multi-cellular animals in the world in terms of species. Within the crustaceans the decapods are chief in species numbers and diversity with over 15,000. Among these are the very familiar and well-known species, such as crayfish, shrimp, and crabs, although there also are many lesser known groups as well. The current classification tells us that there are approximately 62,000 species of Crustacea in the world among 849 families. Approximately 152 of those families belong to the Decapoda. To add to this, the decapods have been referred to as “the pinnacle of crustacean evolution.” Knowing …

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Phylogenetic Analyses Of The Burrowing Members In The Freshwater Crayfish Genera Fallicambarus And Procambarus In Arkansas, Timothy D. O'Connor, Dr. Keith A. Crandall Sep 2013

Phylogenetic Analyses Of The Burrowing Members In The Freshwater Crayfish Genera Fallicambarus And Procambarus In Arkansas, Timothy D. O'Connor, Dr. Keith A. Crandall

Journal of Undergraduate Research

There are an estimated 338 taxa of freshwater crayfish in the United States, with approximately 48% considered to be endangered, threatened, or of special concern (Taylor et al. 1996). Life history information for the majority of the primary burrowing species is lacking because they dig deep burrows and venture out only during breeding periods.

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The Investigation Of X-Ray Diffraction Patterns From Human Hair In Correlation With Dietary Habits, Savannah Gore, Beverly L. Roeder Sep 2013

The Investigation Of X-Ray Diffraction Patterns From Human Hair In Correlation With Dietary Habits, Savannah Gore, Beverly L. Roeder

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Eating disorders, namely anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN), are a serious problem affecting 1-5% of high school and college age women in the US. Unfortunately, the diagnostic methods used to determine if an individual is suffering from AN or BN are, for the most part, based on fallible self-report data. In an attempt to alleviate this problem, a quantitative, biologically based test able to accurately diagnosis AN 80% of the time using carbon and nitrogen stable isotope fractionation in hair was developed. In an effort to raise the accuracy of this test, I looked at x-ray diffraction patterns …

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Chemical Analysis Of Synthetic Dimerizer Ap20187, Jad Mills, Dr. Sandra Burnett Sep 2013

Chemical Analysis Of Synthetic Dimerizer Ap20187, Jad Mills, Dr. Sandra Burnett

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The synthetic dimerizer AP20187 initiates targeted dimerization of mutant FK506 binding proteins (FKBP) to study cell functions, cell signaling pathways, and protein functions. In Macrophage Fas-Induced Apoptosis (Mafia) transgenic mice, AP20187 is used to initiate Macrophage apoptosis . To determine the mechanism behind some depletion variability in Mafia mice, AP20187 was characterized and degradation was monitored using hydrogen and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance (1H- and 13C-NMR), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), electro spray mass spectrometry (ESMS), polarimetry, and spectrophotometry.

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