Ebony Williams |
Name: Ebony Williams
School: Rust College Major: Biology/Chemistry Mentor: Dr. Stephen D’Surney and Michael Smith, PhD Candidate Expected Graduation Date: April 2007 Organizations & Honors • Presidential ScholarE-MAIL: ebshawn03@yahoo.com |
ABSTRACT
Comparative Analysis of Early Embryonic responses of Giant Danio (Devario aequipinnatus) and Zebrafish (Brachydanio rerio) to Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM)
| The zebrafish has been a model for vertebrate research since the 1930s. In recent years this species has become an animal model for toxicology research. Zebrafish and giant danios were selected for this research study because of the ease of maintenance, minimal time required for reproduction, and the rapid maturation speed exhibited by these species. For this study, developmental stages, mortality, and heart rate of zebrafish and giant danios (a close relative of the zebrafish) will be examined using diesel particulate matter (DPM) as a toxicant. The developing embryos will be exposed for 96hrs to 0, 250, 300, 350, 400, and 450 micrograms/L of DPM. The embryos will be monitored every 24hrs during this 96hr period. At the set intervals, embryonic mortality, developmental abnormalities, heart rate, and post-hatch larval stage effects resulting from DPM exposure will be observed and recorded. |