Abstract
Helicosporidium is a unique pathogen that can infect the larvae of mosquitoes. Phylogenetic analyses show promise of establishing a relationship between Helicosporidium and other species. Observation of species from the Aunexochlorella and Prototheca genera will provide an exact taxonomic classification and assist with identifying the closest relative to the genus Helicosporidium. Since it has been shown that the Helicosporidium shows effects on the larvae of mosquitos, this can be a potential organism of interest in the use as an alternative to common chemical insecticides. The confirmation of the relationship was found by performing sequencing of the ribosomal DNA of the Helicospordium and corresponding organisms which were collected from different host samples. The techniques employed in this research ranged from Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Gel Electrophoresis and DNA purification. The purified DNA sample of the “cysT” gene of a corresponding organism to the Helicospordium was sequenced and analyzed. This DNA sequence for the cysT gene was able to be identified.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Aurelien Tartar
Project Type
Event
Start Date
2011 12:00 PM
End Date
2011 5:00 PM
Exploring the Phylogeny of Helicosporidium Using the cysT Gene
Helicosporidium is a unique pathogen that can infect the larvae of mosquitoes. Phylogenetic analyses show promise of establishing a relationship between Helicosporidium and other species. Observation of species from the Aunexochlorella and Prototheca genera will provide an exact taxonomic classification and assist with identifying the closest relative to the genus Helicosporidium. Since it has been shown that the Helicosporidium shows effects on the larvae of mosquitos, this can be a potential organism of interest in the use as an alternative to common chemical insecticides. The confirmation of the relationship was found by performing sequencing of the ribosomal DNA of the Helicospordium and corresponding organisms which were collected from different host samples. The techniques employed in this research ranged from Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Gel Electrophoresis and DNA purification. The purified DNA sample of the “cysT” gene of a corresponding organism to the Helicospordium was sequenced and analyzed. This DNA sequence for the cysT gene was able to be identified.
