1. Nature vs. Nurture: Examining the Impact of a Manipulated Environment
Allison N. Frando*, Dr. Fidelma O’Leary, St. Edward’s University

2. Purpose Personal Interest Behavioral Neuroscience NPY-1
Neuropeptide Y Receptor
Controls behavioral processes
Inability to test human subjects

3. What are C. elegans? Microscopic nematodes 1mm in length
Short lifespan
Hermaphroditic
NPR-1
Neuropeptide Receptor 1
Involved in aggregation and social behaviors
Analogous to NPY-1 in humans

4. Can Environment Override Genetic Coding in C. elegans?
Research Question
Can Environment Override Genetic Coding in C. elegans?

5. Strains Transgenic strains: Feeding behaviors N2 Wildtype
AX 301 Solitary
High npr-1 activity
SD Social
Low npr-1 activity
Feeding behaviors

6. Methods: Treatments Preferred Social Manipulated x8 Preferred x8
Solitary
Manipulated

7. Lifespan Assay Age Synchronization FLDR Plates (8 Worms)
Monitor Survival
4 HOURS

8. Lifespan Data: Social Strain
Number of C. elegans
Number of Days

9. Lifespan Data: Solitary Strain
Number of C. elegans
Number of Days

10. Fertility Assay Age synchronized Count Eggs Laid
Day Five
Count Eggs Laid
Recounted larvae next day
4 HOURS

11. Fertility Assay Data

12. Anecdotal Data Social in preferred environment
Social in manipulated environment

13. Conclusions Environment seems to override genetics Future Research
Shorter Lifespan
Decreased Fertility
Future Research
GFP – Quantification of Consumption
Additional anecdotal data

14. Works Cited

15. Acknowledgements Dr. Richard Kopec NSF STEP Grant #0969153
Dr. Fidelma O’Leary
Olivia O’Keefe
Cassandra Boduch
Gilbert Rivera