Week 2 (2009)

This week, Andrew was able to locate some B.neritina ovicell samples, so now I am well on my way with my project! It is my job to locate ovicells that are "full," do FISH on those samples, and localize E.sertula. By looking at ovicells at different developmental stages, we will be able to better understand E.sertula's movement within the ovicell prior to the release of the larvae. It is important to note that much work has been done, especially by Dr. Haygood and associated researchers, on the location of E.sertula during the larval stages and beyond. Little has been done on B.neritina ovicells with respect to locating E.sertula - by the end of this internship, I will be able to provide (hopefully) some visual evidence of E.sertula's position within the ovicell as the embryo develops!

I spent most of the week locating branches of the bryozoan with ovicells that contained a well-developed embryo. I did FISH on those samples, and took many pictures of what I found using the microscope. It was difficult to differentiate between what might be the bacteria and autofluorescence, but after looking at many negative controls, I think I am getting the hang of it!

For some reason, I can't seem to find anything that is definitively E.sertula on my B.neritina ovicells. I believe I am performing FISH correctly -- I am following the steps outlined by a researcher who worked closely with Dr. Haygood, Koty Sharp. Andrew and I began to troubleshoot by the middle of the week. We have come up with a few new ideas so hopefully we will tackle the problem and I will begin to see E.sertula on the microscope! Hopefully by the end of next week I will have solid images that clearly demonstrate E.sertula's position within developing ovicells. Until then, I will try to be patient and maintain my determination.

GOALS FOR NEXT WEEK: 
- Continue to find and collect "full" ovicells from B.neritina samples
- Perform FISH on those samples
- Visualize results using the laser scanning microscope
- Take pictures of results
- Continue to do literature searches on the subject