Project:

Use of DNA Barcoding in Identification of Ant Species to Examine Biodiversity within West Babylon Senior High School's Courtyard

Students:

Kieren Flynn, Emily Piotrowski, Alec Apostolides

School:

West Babylon Senior High School, Suffolk

Mentors:

Andrea Durbin

Abstract:

When dealing with insects such as ants, their unchanged small stature, minute differences in coloring and features, and multitude of possible species can make it difficult to match a specimen to a species based on purely visual evidence. This laboratory is meant to examine biodiversity deduced from conducted sequences of DNA barcoding. It will investigate an ecosystem’s diversity within a predominantly enclosed environment; this particular data directly translates to the course studies for DNA and genetic decoding demonstrated in academic studies, meant to understand those biological foundations. In the process of this study, students sought out ant samples within the high school courtyard, they were dug out and enclosed in sealed containers to then be frozen; these samples will have DNA extracted and purified. Once extracted, a PCR is conducted and gel electrophoresis is run. The DNA will be turned over to a laboratory to be sequenced, and the data will be used to identify species.

Poster:

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