Effects of Dietary Restriction on Energy Stores in C. elegans

Sarah Tanberg

Abstract

This project looks at the effects of dietary restriction on energy stores in C. elegans. To measure this effect, I measure the intestine cell size. The intestines in C. elegans act as an energy storage and distribution organ, making this organ a good proxy for measuring energy storage levels. I will put the organism into two environments, food and starvation, for four to seven hours. I hypothesize that the intestine cell size will shrink under starvation compared to the fed worm. I will also measure this effect in body size mutants. I hypothesize that larger body size will contribute to a faster depletion of stores due to more homeostasis energy requirements. Preliminary data shows a visible difference in intestine size of wild type C. elegans after just five hours.

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Sarah Fausett

Acknowledgment: Dr. Sarah Fausett, Anna Todd, Alyssa Riveron

Watch the presentation (5:45)

Pose your questions to the researchers

Access Sarah Tanberg's Discussion Forum

Sarah Tanberg

Contact Info

Email: snt4610@uncw.edu