Undergraduate Research Scholars Capstone (2006–present)

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Browsing Undergraduate Research Scholars Capstone (2006–present) by Subject "16S rRNA"

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    Microbial Communities and Ecosystem Recovery of Galveston Bay Post-Hurricane Harvey
    (2019-04-22) Walker, Jordan Ronald; Labonté, Jessica M
    On August 25, 2017, Hurricane Harvey made landfall off the coast of Texas then stalled over the Houston area for five days, setting the record for the highest rainfall in the United States. The waters drained through Houston and into Galveston Bay bringing terrestrial, freshwater, and anthropogenic chemicals and microbes with them. Since microbial communities are constantly changing and adapting to the ecosystem around them this study aimed to characterize the impact of Hurricane Harvey on the microbial communities in the Galveston Bay using 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes and metagenomic data. Heterotrophs were most prevalent directly following the storm and, throughout the 5-week study period, the autotrophic microbes rebounded to pre-Hurricane Harvey levels. Preliminary data analysis has shown that metagenomic data can provide a glimpse into the metabolism of prevalent groups. Further metagenomic analysis will provide insight into the specific metabolic pathways driving the recovery of Galveston Bay’s microbial community. The expectation of larger and more intense storms in North America will increase the amount of stormwater runoff per year in ecologically and economically important ecosystems. Understanding the effects of these storms and how microbial communities respond will help inform management and recovery efforts.
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    Molecular Investigation of the Distribution of Typhlatya spp. in Cave Systems Within the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico
    (2018-04-26) Rohret, Shari Marijani; Salinas, Alexa Atziri; Iliffe, Thomas M
    Stygobitic species such as the anchialine cave shrimp Typhlatya have adapted to life in freshwater and marine cave systems around the world. Limited research has been conducted on the ecological, morphological and genetic diversity of the four known species of the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico: T. dzilamensis, T. pearsei, T. mitchelli and T. campecheae. A total of eighteen specimens were obtained from Dr. Thomas Iliffe’s collection housed in the Marine Biospeleology Lab at Texas A&M University at Galveston, representing seven cave systems (Temple of Doom, Systema Paamul, Carwash, Crustacea, Nayah, Sabak Ha, and Kankirixche). Specimens were photo-documented and identified to species level following diagnostic characters published in the taxonomic literature. Both the 16S rRNA and the nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene were sequenced. After analyzing the sequences, phylogenetic trees and genetic distance tables were generated to discern the phylogenetic relationship among the specimens and compared to our initial morphological diagnosis. The phylogenetic analyses of 16S showed five distinct clades: T. dzilamensis, T. mitchelli A and B, T. pearsei, and Typhlatya sp. Data acquired from this study will be part of a larger study that will provide more insight into the biogeography and connectivity of cave systems within the Yucatán Peninsula.