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Karyotypical Investigation and Generation of Mutation in Mielichhoferia mielichhoferi
Carrie Duff
Abstract
Moss is the ideal organism to establish biofilm mats which are the ideal systems for remediation of mine waste sites. These moss biofilms have the capacity to not only remediate, but also stabilize tailings blowing from mine sites which cause many human health problems. Furthermore, many species of moss are extremophiles which have tremendous potential for bioremediation of mine wastes. Mielichhoferia mielichhoferi is one of these extremophiles and is one of the “copper mosses” which are known to grow in copper rich environments. A karyotype is the complete set of all chromosomes (chromosome compliment) in a cell, individual, or species. It is often displayed as a photo and the chromosomes are arranged in pairs and placed in order from largest to smallest. A karyotype describes an organism’s chromosome compliment morphology so that their relative lengths and centromere positions can be identified. Karyotypes are useful for examining chromosomal abnormalities and also for examining other macroscopic characteristics such as gender. Color mutations have been used in other organisms to understand meiotic activity and to determine basic mechanisms of Mendelian genetics. This research produced a karyotype of Mielichhoferia mielichhoferi and mutations which will be available for use in further genomic studies.
Biography
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I am originally from Pennsylvania and after high school I spent some time in Jackson Hole, WY working as a horseback trail guide. After moving back to PA I worked as a horse trainer for a few years. Although horses are my passion, I wanted more out of life not to mention better pay. I had always been interested in biology and specifically in genetics. In the meantime I had married a Montana man and found my way here. I started at MT Tech in 2003 and I will be completing my undergraduate degree in Biology in the cellular/molecular track this May. I had always been interested in genetic regulation of homeostasis and when I took Molecular Biology in the fall of 2006, I was hooked. My undergraduate research project has taught me that science doesn’t always follow the text book. It has also instilled in me the importance of being creative at solving problems in the lab. I will be taking a year off and then applying to medical school to hopefully start in the fall of 2008. I would like to get accepted into an MD/PhD program where I would pursue a PhD in molecular genetics. My main interests are in genetic diseases that affect the gastrointestinal tract and the endocrine system. After medical school I would like to spend some time with Doctors Without Borders and serve in Africa. Later in life I would like to find myself as a professor at a medical school where I can participate in research, work in the hospital, and teach medical students.
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