2024 Research in the Capitol
Presentation Type
Open Access Poster Presentation
Abstract
The DNA of living organisms is packaged into chromosomes differently in different species, but typically following a standard set of "rules." Understanding how DNA can be packaged for different species provides a better understanding of life and the genetic rules that must be followed, and the "rules" that can be broken. Mitochondria are crucial subcomponents of cells, providing the energy for life. Mitochondria always have their own mtDNA. In our study, we have learned that chewing lice mtDNA differs from that of other animals by spreading the genes across 12 separate small, circular chromosomes instead of one large, circular chromosome. We sequenced and mapped these minicircles to better understand the organization and rearrangement of genes through evolutionary time. Recognition of developmental rearrangements within the mtDNA allows for greater understanding of potential conditions that may lead to mitochondrial dysfunction. This knowledge may benefit the development of treatments for devastating mitochondrial diseases.
Start Date
25-3-2024 11:45 AM
End Date
25-3-2024 1:30 PM
Event Host
University Honors Programs, Iowa Regent Universities
Faculty Advisor
James W. Demastes
Faculty Advisor
Theresa A. Spradling
Department
Department of Biology
Department
Department of Nursing & Public Health
Copyright
©2024 John Lehmkuhl, Grace Mraz, James W. Demastes, and Theresa A. Spradling
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Lehmkuhl, John; Mraz, Grace; Demastes, James W.; and Spradling, Theresa A., "Characterization of mtDNA Minicircles in a Chewing Louse, Geomydoecus centralis" (2024). Research in the Capitol. 11.
https://scholarworks.uni.edu/rcapitol/2024/all/11
Characterization of mtDNA Minicircles in a Chewing Louse, Geomydoecus centralis
The DNA of living organisms is packaged into chromosomes differently in different species, but typically following a standard set of "rules." Understanding how DNA can be packaged for different species provides a better understanding of life and the genetic rules that must be followed, and the "rules" that can be broken. Mitochondria are crucial subcomponents of cells, providing the energy for life. Mitochondria always have their own mtDNA. In our study, we have learned that chewing lice mtDNA differs from that of other animals by spreading the genes across 12 separate small, circular chromosomes instead of one large, circular chromosome. We sequenced and mapped these minicircles to better understand the organization and rearrangement of genes through evolutionary time. Recognition of developmental rearrangements within the mtDNA allows for greater understanding of potential conditions that may lead to mitochondrial dysfunction. This knowledge may benefit the development of treatments for devastating mitochondrial diseases.
Comments
Also under the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.