Date of Award
Spring 4-28-2022
Document Type
Thesis
Publication Status
Version of Record
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Clinical Neurosciences
First Advisor
Andia Chaves-Fonnegra
Abstract
Sponges (phylum Porifera) are the most basal of all animals, yet, paradoxically, they still puzzle scientists with their complexity. One mystery baffling researchers since its discovery in the mid-1960s is the presence of serotonin in these brainless animals, which lack neurons. The current controversy involves the identification of which cells in a sponge produce serotonin: the sponge cells or the sponge-associated microbes? Sponges are holobionts, comprised of both the sponge cells themselves and the affiliated microorganisms that live with them (like bacteria and archaea). This honors thesis aims to determine whether the Tedania ignis cells or their associated symbionts contain the serotonin detected in previous studies. A Percoll gradient was used to create sponge-enriched cell fractions and symbiont-enriched fractions. Each fraction was then analyzed by an ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) analytical biochemistry assay (immunoanalysis). Results of this project will contribute to find the possible source of serotonin in sponges.
Recommended Citation
Mutluguler, Bilal, "TEDANIA IGNIS CELL FRACTIONS: THEIR SYMBIONTS AND SEROTONIN" (2022). Honors Theses. 16.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/honors_theses/16