Ronald E. McNair Program



Fameeka Jenkins
   SCHOOL:  Alcorn State University
   MAJOR:  Biology/Premedicine
   MENTOR:  Alfred Mikell
   DATE OF GRADUATION:  May 2000
   HONORS & ORGANIZATIONS
  • Alpha Kappa Mu
  • Biology Club
  • Premedicine Club
  • National Council of Negro Women
  • Mississippi Association for Minority 
  • Honors Club

 

ABSTRACT

Medical Contributions of the Bombardier Beetle

Bombardier beetles are named for the explosive, caustic chemicals ejected from their abdomen.  These chemicals represent a biochemical complex defense mechanism.  The chemicals include 10% hydroquinones and 25% hydrogen peroxide. Quinones and peroxide react with catalase and peroxidases within the gland’s "firing chamber".   These reactions create an explosion, releasing hot reactive oxygen species.  Although small in size, the volume of hot spray is sufficient to discourage any would-be predators, up to the size of dogs!

Understanding the biochemistry of this process and isolating bacteria associated with this unique gland will offer insights into defense mechanisms in extreme oxidative environments.  Such defense mechanisms are of real value to our medical understanding of both cancer and aging derived from oxidative damage.

This research will explore the physiological aspects of the beetle's chemical defense mechanisms.  The goal is to analyze the presence of bacteria in the abdomen of the Bombardier beetle.  The hypothesis is that there will be an undiscovered species of bacteria that will lead to advancement in medical knowledge.  This discovery will provide further understanding of DNA agents and Cancer mutations.

Procedures in starting this process will include the dissection of the beetle's abdominal glands and applications of sensitive techniques designed to detect the presence of bacteria.  The determination of oxidative stress along with the tolerance level of heat will be observed.  Several trials will be performed to compare the results and obtain conclusive data.  Through the data obtained, the medical implications of the beetle's defense mechanism will be determined.