Quantitative and qualitative analysis of mutation in pam-1 of model organism Caenorhabditis elegans.
Date on Honors Thesis
Spring 5-13-2023
Major
Biology
Minor
Chemistry
Examining Committee Member
Dr. Chris Trzepacz, Advisor
Examining Committee Member
Dr. Gary ZeRuth, Committee Member
Examining Committee Member
Dr. Alexey Arkov, Committee Member
Abstract/Description
The pam-1 gene in the model roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans governs meiotic exit and establishment of cellular polarity in the single-celled C. elegans embryo. Mutation of the pam-1 gene results in reduced fertility and fecundity in adult C. elegans and disrupts the anatomy of the germinal gonad. The aim of this study is to qualitatively and quantitatively define the changes in the germline cells associated with mutations to the pam-1 gene. Specifically, we examined the stages of germ cell development within the gonads of adult worms, both wild-type and pam-1 compromised, and identified the changes in the length of the mitotic, transition, and pachytene stages. Our results indicate that the number of pachytene nuclei in mutant strains increases while the number of transition nuclei decreases compared to the numbers in wild-type N2 worms. Changes in the timing of meiotic transitions due to mutation of pam-1 may disrupt and compromise the maturation of gametes, contributing to the reduced fertility associated with compromised pam-1 function.
Recommended Citation
Stein, Jessica and Stein, Jessica, "Quantitative and qualitative analysis of mutation in pam-1 of model organism Caenorhabditis elegans." (2023). Honors College Theses. 166.
https://digitalcommons.murraystate.edu/honorstheses/166