Journal of Undergraduate Research
Keywords
phosphorous availability, nematode growth, morphology in vitro
College
Life Sciences
Department
Biology
Abstract
The Growth Rate Hypothesis (GRH) proposes that since high-growth protein synthesis in organisms requires phosphorous-rich rRNA, growth is correlated with and dependent on phosphorous availability to said organisms. The limitation imposed by phosphorus availability thus becomes a selective factor that drives evolution. (Elser et al, 2002). This project seeks to test the GRH in vitro using Plectus murrayi a species of Antarctic nematodes. Previous research in the McMurdo Dry Valleys in Antarctica found a correlation between life history in P. murrayi, including growth, and phosphorous availability. (Adhikari et al, in prep). We seek to replicate this difference in vitro, in order to test the emerging GRH and better understand how nutrient limitation affects evolution and ecology in natural systems.
Recommended Citation
Perkes, Ammon and Adams, Byron
(2015)
"Effects of phosphorous availability on nematode growth and morphology in vitro,"
Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2015:
Iss.
1, Article 124.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2015/iss1/124