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Development of a temperature-variable ex situ coral tank system: The effect of thermal stress on TRAF3 expresssion in Montipora digitalta

thesis
posted on 2024-06-28, 19:26 authored by Bryn Hester

Ocean temperatures are continuing to rising as a result of anthropogenic climates change. The increased ocean temperatures can cause coral bleaching, the breakdown of the symbiosis between coral and photosynthetic dinoflagellates. Corals' response to thermal stress can vary based on several factors, including dinoflagellates population and coral genotype and genetic regulation. The complex and diverse coral immune system shows serval different responses to thermal stress, including downregulating most immune-related genes, but upregulating some immune-related genes. One gene of interest in the coral immune system is tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 3 (TRAF3). In most studies of this gene in coral, it is upregulated in response to thermal stress. To study coral in response to thermal stress, tanks in a laboratory setting (ex situ) can be utilized. The aim of this project includes (1) building a versatile and lasting experimental tank set-up for my work and continued coral and aquatic research at Middlebury College and (2) measuring the specific gene expression changes of TRAF3 in M. digitata during temperature change. The third aim of this project was developing a science curriculum module for the use of tank systems in high school classrooms.

History

Institution

  • Middlebury College

Department or Program

  • Biology

Degree

  • Bachelor of Arts, Honors

Academic Advisor

Jeremy Ward, Ph.D.

Conditions

  • Restricted to Campus

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