The Effects of High and Low Gravity on Neurospora Crassa
Level of Education of Students Involved
Undergraduate
Faculty Sponsor
Michael Watters
College
Arts and Sciences
Discipline(s)
Biology
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Symposium Date
Spring 4-25-2024
Abstract
We studied the effects of different gravity levels on Neurospora crassa and its morphology. This research was conducted by simulating low and high gravity effects in different operating procedures. For the low gravity simulation, the experiment was conducted by using a clinostat to constantly disorient the samples at a very slow rate. For the high gravity simulation, N. crassa was subjected to different amounts of g forces by placing the samples in a centrifuge and subjected the samples to increasing amounts of revolutions per minute. The results of these experiments conclude that in low-gravity situations, the N. crassa showed sparse growth and some cytoplasmic failure. In the high gravity situations, the samples showed that at around 1,000 to 2,000 RPMs, there were no changes in the morphology, but at higher RPMs like 3,000 or 4,000, there were some signs of cytoplasmic failure but no noticeable changes to morphology.
Recommended Citation
Cleveland, Siobhan and Watters, Michael, "The Effects of High and Low Gravity on Neurospora Crassa" (2024). Symposium on Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 1267.
https://scholar.valpo.edu/cus/1267
