The Na+/K+ ATPase is an electrogenic transmembrane ion transport protein that localizes to the plasma membrane in mammals. Its primary function is to maintain the sodium ion and potassium ion electrochemical gradients across the plasma membrane; it does so by utilizing ATP molecules as an energy source. Three major polypeptides make up the Na+/K+ ATPase—the […]
A51: Syphilis on the rise: prevalence, incidence, and vertical transmission in Peru and USA
Syphilis has been on the rise over the past decade around the world, with a 219% increase in the United States.6 This has been a significant concern, particularly for mothers, given that syphilis has the potential for vertical transmission from mother to fetus.2 Once vertically transmitted, side effects include stillbirth, neonatal death, premature delivery, or […]
A52: Effects of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Rhizobia Bacteria on Reproduction in Chamaecrista fasciculata
Prairies once constituted a large portion of midwestern ecosystems and the North American landscape in general, until European settlers altered the land use. Now, 99% of prairies east of the Missouri River have been lost. Prairie restorations often produce more complex ecosystems than the sites they began on, but they lack the plant diversity found […]
A54: Differences in DNA-Methylation Patterns of the ATP1A4 Gene Between Spermatogenic and Somatic Cell Lines
The Na+/K+-ATPase alpha4 (ATP1A4 gene) ion transporter is an essential protein for sperm cells, as it helps establish an ion gradient used by secondary Na/H exchangers, ultimately directing the intracellular pH of sperm. As this gene has been found significant in spermatogenic cells, previous literature points to differences in DNA methylation patterns of the ATP1A4 […]
A55: Step one: Breaking Dormancy of the Novel aerial bulbil in Mimulus gemmiparus
Step one: Breaking Dormancy of the Novel aerial bulbil in Mimulus gemmiparus Author(s): Shannen McIntyre-Quinn, Biology and Premedical Studies Major Advisor(s): Richard Moore, Department of BiologyDeannah Neupert, Department of Biology
A56: Exploring Mouse Lens Development: Protein and Gene Analysis with Lens Epithelial Explants
This proposal delves into the critical biological processes of differentiation, apoptosis, and proliferation, which play pivotal roles in the development of all mammals. These processes are essential for the proper growth, function, and shape of organisms. The lens of the mammalian eye serves as a specialized model for understanding differentiation, particularly the transition from monolayered […]
A57: A Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis of 21EM15 Cells with Native Lens Epithelia and Fiber Cells
The lens is a transparent organ at the front of the eye that transmits and focuses light onto the retina. The proliferative abilities of the cellular components of the lens contribute to its ability to grow throughout an individual’s life. The lens consists of two main cell types: epithelial cells and fiber cells. There is […]
A58: Alaskan Bee Populations
Pollinators are an increasingly important area of study, especially in agriculture where they are vital for crop production. Pollinator surveys are a practical way to assess the health and diversity of a population and its stability for future generations. In many places, studies like this are already commonplace and well-researched. However, in places like Alaska, […]
A59: Effect of Perceived Predator Cue on Courtship in Pholcus manueli
Second male sperm priority in Pholcus manueli would suggest that males are more likely to choose mated females to increase chances of paternity. It is possible in P. manueli, a type of cellar spider, that under predation the males would be less likely to be selective on the mating status of the female they court […]
A60: The Effect of Glyphosate and AMPA on Zebrafish Embryonic Development
Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, is the most commonly used herbicide in American agriculture. The biodegradation of glyphosate leads to aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA). Glyphosate and AMPA have been extensively characterized to be toxic to organ development– however, it remains unexplored in cardiac development. Using zebrafish as a model due to their tractability, we examine […]