Microsatellite Development in the Threatened Kachina Daisy, Erigeron kachinensis (Asteraceae)

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Jesse Migliori and Dr. Loreen Woolstenhulme, Botany and Range Science Introduction Microsatellites, or simple sequence repeats (SSRs) are genetic markers found throughout the genome. Usually consisting of short tandem repeats of 2-6 bases, SSRs offer molecular data from distinguishable loci. Because of their high mutation rates and high allelic diversity, microsatellites are ideal for genetic […]

Follicular Dentritic Cells and Retention of HIV Quasi-Species

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Candace McNaughton and Dr. Gregory Burton, Microbiology HIV infects millions of people worldwide; in the year 2000 alone, more than 3 million people died from AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) as a result of HIV infection1. In countries, such as the United States, where effective treatment is affordable, highly active antiretroiviral therapy (HAART) can reduce viral […]

Epigallocatechin Gallate, a Green Tea Polyphenol, causes Direct DNA Damage at Physiological Concentrations

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Jeremy McBride and Dr. Kim L. O’Neill, Microbiology Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a polyphenol found in green tea. Because tea is ingested by over two thirds of the world’s population, considerable research has been done to identify and characterize the active components of the second most widely consumed beverage (1). Among the many chemopreventative properties […]

Expressed Sequence Tags for Chenopodium Quinoa Seed

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Shanna Mason and Lucy Stewart with Dr. Craig E. Coleman, Botany and Range Science Quinoa (Chenopoduim quinoa) is a pseudograin cultivated in the Altiplano region of Bolivia and other areas of South America, where it is well adapted to harsh local conditions including high elevation, drought, frost, and saline soils. In addition to its environmental […]

Histology: A Student’s Comprehensive Lab Manual and Corresponding CD

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Jon Christopher Kerr and Dr. Richard A. Heckmann, Zoology The purpose of this project was to provide a comprehensive and accurate text for the study of histology–the microscopic study of cells and tissues. In order to facilitate this study, appropriate text corresponding to over 400 histological images was prepared. This manual explains the images, defines […]

Examination of AP-4 as a Transcriptional Activator of the Col11a2 Chondrocyte-specific Enhancer Elements

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Todd Lincoln Jackson and Dr. Laura Bridgewater, Zoology Purpose My purpose is to explore activator protein 4’s (AP-4) role in the expression of the Col11a2 gene. My hypothesis is that AP-4 will bind to the Col11a2 enhancer elements and increase activity of that gene. AP-4 is a ubiquitous transcription factor. Transcription factors are proteins that […]

Phylogeny and Morphology of Seed Coat and Fibrillar Mucilage of Polemoniaceae

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Katherine Holt and Dr. Leigh Johnson, Botany and Range Sciences The Phlox family (Polemoniaceae) has been the focus of many studies regarding plant speciation and diversification. Comprising just 379 species in 26 genera, considerable interest exists in understanding the phylogenetic relationships in the Phlox family to further increase its value as a model system for […]

Identification of the Activator Proteins for the DNA-Protein Interaction of a Primary Cartilage Enhancer

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L. Daniel Holsinger and Dr. Laura Bridgewater, Zoology Abstract: The Human col11 2 gene is responsible for the production of type XI collagen, one of the three components of the collagen triple helix. Disruption of this gene results in varied problems including dwarfism, osteoarthritis and possibly cleft palate. In order to understand more about this […]

The Effects of Phytoestrogen Diets on Rats Exhibiting Tendencies For Cancerous Growth in Reproductive Tissue

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Jason Hatch and Dr. R. Ward Rhees, Zoology In recent years, phytoestrogens (nonsteroidal, estrogen-like substances found in plant sources such as beans, rice, soy and wheat) have received extensive investigative research. However, current information about the amount of phytoestrogens in human diets is limited (4). Scientific research has alluded to possible benefits of diets high […]

The Effects of Concurrent Treatment of Caffeine and Various Apoptotic-Inducing Drugs in the Molt-4 Cell Line

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Janet L. Hart and Dr. Kim L. O’Neill, Department of Microbiology Apoptosis is the method by which cells undergo programmed cell death or “cell suicide.” The cell initiates apoptosis after there is irreparable damage or if the cell is simply not needed. Some insults that are known to induce apoptosis are irradiation, heat shock, as […]