One to Many: Environmental Drivers of Animal Multicellularity

Ashley Wain, Ph.D., University of Akron Department of Biology

Project Description:

The evolution of multicellular animals from their protozoan predecessors was a huge transition in the history of life on Earth. I use light microscopy and molecular methods to study the impact of environmental factors on the morphology and gene expression of the choanoflagellate species Salpingoeca rosetta. These microscopic protozoans are used because they take on several morphologies including single, independent cells, and colonies consisting of several cells and they have been linked to multicellular animals as their sister taxon through genetic and morphological data. Using population-level traits like colony frequency and average colony size as well as techniques like qPCR to track changes in gene expression, we will be able to see what biotic and abiotic environmental factors may have been important triggers for this major evolutionary event.

Opportunities for Students:

• Media preparation, including autoclave use
• Cell culturing and transfers
• Use of an inverted light microscope and a hemocytometer for counting cells
• Molecular techniques like PCR and qPCR
• Experimental design and data analysis

Required Experience:

No previous lab experience is required. All necessary training will be provided.

Time Commitment:

I expect students to dedicate at least five hours a week to this project. This time includes time for bench work in the lab, a biweekly lab meeting, and preparation time.