Sopanha Touch

Abstract:

Recent changes in oceanic temperatures have affected developmental patterns of many marine organisms affecting ecological distribution and population dynamics. To observe these changes, we study the embryogenesis of model organism Ciona intestinalis, or sea squirt, under different levels of temperature disruptions. Temperature challenges, in-situ hybridization, and phalloidin staining methods revealed high numbers of abnormal notochord, embryonic cartilaginous backbone, progression of embryos at high temperatures. In addition, early temperature disruption appears more likely to affect developmental pattern than later stages. Further studies could emphasize relationship between gene expression for notochord progression and temperature. Does temperature directly/indirectly affect genetic expression in embryos?