Date of Award

Spring 2025

Thesis Type

Open Access

Degree Name

Honors Bachelor of Arts

Department

Biology

Sponsor

Dr. Jay Pieczynski

Committee Member

Dr. Brendaliz-Santiago-Narvaez

Committee Member

Dr. Paul Stephenson

Abstract

The current study focuses on Trachemys species, which is a group of freshwater turtles found throughout the Greater Antilles. The role of studying an isolated island, such as the Dominican Republic, is significant because it serves as a way to better understand how the combined effects of species migration, mass tourism, and climate change can greatly impact isolated species. Of particular significance is how these forces interact in complex ways to reshape habitats and threaten biodiversity. Additionally, the introduction of a highly invasive species, Trachemys scripta elegans (T. scripta), in this environment pressures native species by acting as a source of competition for food and resources. Further, hybridization between the native and invasive species can disrupt ecological stability by producing offspring that are less well-suited for their environment as a result of losing unique traits necessary for survival. Our research involved the extraction and purification of Trachemys DNA using blood samples taken from two different sites in the Dominican Republic. DNA was fluorescently labelled using Polymerase Chain Reactions (PCR) and gel electrophoresis validated our results. We formed a protein complex consisting of deactivated Cas-9 (d-Cas-9), which is necessary for detection of a specific DNA sequence on a lateral flow assay. We demonstrate the laboratory process that acts as a precursor to solidifying an efficient, effective, and low-cost method to testing hybrid species in the wild.

Rights Holder

Lillian Groves

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