Methodology and Lit Review on C.Elegans

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Introduction: C.elegans C.elegans is a free-soiling living organism that is found commonly in many parts of the world. It feeds on E.coli and other bacteria and goes through a regular life cycle within three days. C.elegans is also a very simple organism both anatomically and genetically, which is why they have been in use for a very long time. Because they are experimentally tractable for discoveries, and can be easily maintained, they are pivotal in studies that investigate neurobiology, development and behavior. Heat Stress on C.elegans C.elegans responds to many different varieties of stress negatively. When they are exposed to high temperature/ heat stress, they molt into a stage known as Dauer. In the Dauer state, C.elegans become highly stress resistant, hypometabolic, extremely long-lived and show an altered morphology. [Braeckman, B. (2007)] Ignatia Amara (Ignatia) is a homeopathic remedy that was purchased because of its noted properties that relieve stress. Based on behavioral studies on mice, scientists have concluded that not only does Ignatia relieve stress related issues, but it also alleviates emotion-related symptoms that contributed to stress on mice. In another test Ignatia was proven to be affective in the treatment of oral lichen planus, Ignatia decreased the pain and discomfort and reduced the size of lesions. All of these findings were statistically significant in comparison with control group who were treated with placebo. Ignatia was used in this experiment to see if it can yield similar effects and can relieve heat stress in C.elegans and prevent them from going into Dauer state. Methodology: First, E.coli and C.elegans (OP50 Strain) were purchased from Wards Biological Supply. Agar was then microwaved on and off for 1 minute. Followed by the Agar being poured into five 60mm x 15mm petri dishes. The E.coli from

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