Date of Award
2018
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Natural Sciences
First Advisor
Saarinen, Erin
Area of Concentration
Biology
Abstract
The bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia is a potential threat to its endangered pollinator hosts. Wolbachia alters reproduction in its hosts in several ways that could threaten small or endangered populations. This threat could be perpetuated by horizontal transfer, yet the mechanisms and frequency of such transfers remains unknown. Understanding patterns of Wolbachia infection and relation at the community level can help in evaluating the potential for horizontal transfer. Local common pollinators were captured, tested for Wolbachia, and sequenced at the Multi-Locus Sequence Typing genes. These sequences were used to investigate the genetic relationships of the Wolbachia with external Wolbachia sequences and to the pollinating insect hosts.
Recommended Citation
Ash, Meagan, "Bacterial Endosymbiont Wolbachia: Infection and Horizontal Transfer in Local Pollinators" (2018). Theses & ETDs. 5466.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/5466