Journal of Undergraduate Research
Mutant Bacterium Photorhabdus Luminescens’ Effect on Nematode’s Ability to Enter Endotokia Matricida
Keywords
mutant bacterium, Photohabdus luminescens, nematode, endotokia matricida
College
Life Sciences
Department
Microbiology and Molecular Biology
Abstract
Nematodes (roundworms), like all organisms, must develop, survive, and reproduce. For entomopathogenic nematodes (insect pathogens) such as H. bacteriophora, this is only possible when the worm can find an adequate food source (host insects). As the nematode scours the surrounding soil and finds a potential host, it will pass directly into the hemolymph of the insect. Inside its newly-found host, the nematode will then regurgitate a colony of bacteria. This particular bacteria, P. luminescens, works together with the nematode in a symbiotic relationship to kill and devour the insect (3). After the bacteria and nematodes have feasted on their host and reproduced multiple times, the subsequent generations of nematode-bacteria symbionts leave the insect host in search of another unsuspecting potential host.
Recommended Citation
Nielsen, Jared and Adams, Dr. Byron
(2013)
"Mutant Bacterium Photorhabdus Luminescens’ Effect on Nematode’s Ability to Enter Endotokia Matricida,"
Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013:
Iss.
1, Article 1285.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/1285