Effects of Temperature Increase on Behavior in C. elegans
Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. Leigh Latta (Mentor), Lewis-Clark State College
Abstract
For this experiment, behavioral analysis was completed to determine if temperature impacts the behavior of C. elegans. Specifically, various aspects of velocity (maximum velocity, mean velocity, and the standard deviation of velocity) were quantified using behavioral tracking and analysis software in two temperature treatment groups (18°C and 23 °C). We hypothesized that an increase in temperature would increase the speed at which these organisms move. Indeed, the results demonstrated that as temperature increased, the velocity of the C. elegans did as well. This may be due in part to the temperature increase stimulating greater metabolic activity in ectothermic species such as C. elegans. Because these nematodes have a specific temperature range at which they function properly, these results may also suggest that exceeding or failing to fall within their typical temperature range of 15°C to 25°C will result in a velocity decline initiated by their stress responses.
Effects of Temperature Increase on Behavior in C. elegans
For this experiment, behavioral analysis was completed to determine if temperature impacts the behavior of C. elegans. Specifically, various aspects of velocity (maximum velocity, mean velocity, and the standard deviation of velocity) were quantified using behavioral tracking and analysis software in two temperature treatment groups (18°C and 23 °C). We hypothesized that an increase in temperature would increase the speed at which these organisms move. Indeed, the results demonstrated that as temperature increased, the velocity of the C. elegans did as well. This may be due in part to the temperature increase stimulating greater metabolic activity in ectothermic species such as C. elegans. Because these nematodes have a specific temperature range at which they function properly, these results may also suggest that exceeding or failing to fall within their typical temperature range of 15°C to 25°C will result in a velocity decline initiated by their stress responses.