Metabolic responses to disease in marine sponges

Project Description: Marine sponges on coral reefs are increasingly susceptible to diseases, some of which are likely caused by bacterial pathogens. Sponges are very primitive animals, but basic physiological principles apply, including potential redistribution of energetic molecules when exposed to stress, such as disease. This project will evaluate the distribution of biochemical molecules (proteins, lipids, carbohydrates) in a Caribbean sponge species known to be susceptible to disease and will compare the distribution of these molecules in healthy vs. diseased sponges from different sites in the Caribbean and from different morphotypes. The project involves laboratory research in chemistry/biochemistry with background information on marine ecology, coral reefs stressors, disease ecology and bioenergetics.

Desired Student Qualifications: Introductory biology and chemistry courses, with advanced coursework in biochemistry or chemistry preferred but not essential. Basic laboratory skills preferred. Student will be required to take University Health & Safety courses in Biological and Chemical Safety prior to working in the lab.

Project Timeline: Fall 2016-Summer 2017, possibly longer

Duties of Student Researcher: Dry and weigh frozen sponge samples. Perform protein, lipid and carbohydrate assays using standard assay protocols. Data analysis will also be performed. Basic and advanced chemistry laboratory skills will be used. Once trained, student will work relatively independently, with guidance from two PIs and another Honors student.

Last Updated on 2016-12-07 10:13:27