A Study of the Alydus tomentosus-Burkholderia Symbiont Interaction and Burkholderia Acquisition Open Access

Malik, Zayir Mohammed (2012)

Permanent URL: https://etd.library.emory.edu/concern/etds/1831ck71d?locale=en
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Abstract

Alydus tomentosus, broad-headed bugs, house their symbiotic bacteria, Burkholderia, within their gut. While symbionts have been shown to confer positive benefits to the host in other broad-headed bug species, the effect of Burkholderia acquisition on A. tomentosus individuals remained unstudied. By monitoring the lifespans of multiple individuals, I show that A. tomentosus individuals that acquire Burkholderia survive at a higher rate than those that remain sterile. I also investigate the timing of bacterial acquisition. Through an experiment in which I expose A. tomentosus nymphs to Burkholderia during only one instar of their life, I demonstrate that A. tomentosus individuals are most likely to uptake their symbiont during their third instar. Finally, through a choice assay, I show that A. tomentosus do not actively seek out Burkholderia.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Introduction...1

Figure 1...2

Figure 2...4

Methods...6

Figure 3...8

Figure 4...10

Results...11

Figure 5...12

Figure 6...13

Figure 7...14

Figure 8...15

Figure 9...17

Figure 10...18

Discussion...19

References...25

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