Selection for Drosophila melanogaster Exposed to Low Dose Gamma Radiation
Location
CSU Ballroom
Start Date
2-4-2019 10:00 AM
End Date
2-4-2019 11:30 AM
Student's Major
Biological Sciences
Student's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Mentor's Name
Daniel Toma
Mentor's Department
Biological Sciences
Mentor's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Description
Gamma radiation is a highly penetrating form of radiation to living systems. Gamma rays can alter DNA structure and damage other cellular structures, leading to cancers and other genetic problems. This is particularly troubling due to the increased interest in space travel, especially to Mars. Our research focused on the cumulative effects of low/mid-range gamma radiation on Drosophila melanogaster (fruit flies). Low gamma ranges are much less studied than high ranges, and the effects over multiple generations has never been examined. In tandem with Dr. Roberts and his research team from the physics department, we exposed Drosophila to gamma radiation via the AN-400 Particle Accelerator. By selectively breeding the exposed flies together over multiple generations, we studied how the flies respond to gamma radiation by testing changes occurring generationally in levels of antioxidant enzymes. A rise in the level of oxidants in a living system is a common result that occurs due to radiation. These oxidants are the principle cause of damage to cellular structure. As a protective response mechanism, organisms produce antioxidants to remove the oxidants.
Additionally, we froze flies for future work on genetic changes occurring generationally due to gamma exposure.
Selection for Drosophila melanogaster Exposed to Low Dose Gamma Radiation
CSU Ballroom
Gamma radiation is a highly penetrating form of radiation to living systems. Gamma rays can alter DNA structure and damage other cellular structures, leading to cancers and other genetic problems. This is particularly troubling due to the increased interest in space travel, especially to Mars. Our research focused on the cumulative effects of low/mid-range gamma radiation on Drosophila melanogaster (fruit flies). Low gamma ranges are much less studied than high ranges, and the effects over multiple generations has never been examined. In tandem with Dr. Roberts and his research team from the physics department, we exposed Drosophila to gamma radiation via the AN-400 Particle Accelerator. By selectively breeding the exposed flies together over multiple generations, we studied how the flies respond to gamma radiation by testing changes occurring generationally in levels of antioxidant enzymes. A rise in the level of oxidants in a living system is a common result that occurs due to radiation. These oxidants are the principle cause of damage to cellular structure. As a protective response mechanism, organisms produce antioxidants to remove the oxidants.
Additionally, we froze flies for future work on genetic changes occurring generationally due to gamma exposure.
Recommended Citation
McDermott, Lillie and Heidi Cap. "Selection for Drosophila melanogaster Exposed to Low Dose Gamma Radiation." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 2, 2019.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2019/poster-session-A/27
