Development of a C. elegans Model Learning Assay for Undergraduate Behavioral Neurobiology Laboratories
Start Date
1-8-2024 11:45 AM
End Date
1-8-2024 12:00 PM
Location
ALT 211
Abstract
Caenorhabditis elegans is a species of free-living nematode with a short, simple life cycle and well-known genome. This ‘worm’ is a commonly used model organism in many levels of laboratories, as the simplicity of its nervous system, genome, and life cycle make it well-suited for experiments pertaining to a wide range of disciplines. There is a fairly high degree of similarity between C. elegans and human genes and pathways, which make it a valuable target for studies where a model is needed. This study aims to develop a chemotaxis-based learning assay based upon the rudimentary learning abilities of C. elegans for use in undergraduate pedagogical laboratories. To do this, the goal was to create a simple procedure that yielded effective and easily understood results. By coupling starvation conditions within a high salt environment, worms dropped in a designated middle portion of a plate containing a salt and neutral stimuli side will display avoidance behavior due to associative learning and therefore have a higher chemotaxis towards the neutral stimulus. Wild type strains were used along with learning deficient strains to display how genetic mutations can impact locomotive and chemotaxis behavior. Results were determined by chemotaxis discrimination index and analyzed through an ANOVA test. The initial design was modified slightly to result in a final design that is more effective and just as simple for future use.
Development of a C. elegans Model Learning Assay for Undergraduate Behavioral Neurobiology Laboratories
ALT 211
Caenorhabditis elegans is a species of free-living nematode with a short, simple life cycle and well-known genome. This ‘worm’ is a commonly used model organism in many levels of laboratories, as the simplicity of its nervous system, genome, and life cycle make it well-suited for experiments pertaining to a wide range of disciplines. There is a fairly high degree of similarity between C. elegans and human genes and pathways, which make it a valuable target for studies where a model is needed. This study aims to develop a chemotaxis-based learning assay based upon the rudimentary learning abilities of C. elegans for use in undergraduate pedagogical laboratories. To do this, the goal was to create a simple procedure that yielded effective and easily understood results. By coupling starvation conditions within a high salt environment, worms dropped in a designated middle portion of a plate containing a salt and neutral stimuli side will display avoidance behavior due to associative learning and therefore have a higher chemotaxis towards the neutral stimulus. Wild type strains were used along with learning deficient strains to display how genetic mutations can impact locomotive and chemotaxis behavior. Results were determined by chemotaxis discrimination index and analyzed through an ANOVA test. The initial design was modified slightly to result in a final design that is more effective and just as simple for future use.
