Asexual reproduction and segmental regeneration, but not morphallaxis, are inhibited by boric acid in Lumbriculus variegatus.

Lumbriculus Variegatus has the amazing ability to regenerate lost body parts and reproduce asexually. There are two basic processes in the regeneration of these worms such as: epimorphosis and morphallaxis.. Epimorphic regeneration is noted by the differentiation of a blastema and the de novo generation of body parts or tissues. Morphallaxis is a pattern that involves the transformation existing tissues and body parts into newly organized structures.
In 1990, Drewes and Fourtner, demonstrated the functional reorganization of escape reflexes and their neural correlates in L. variegatus during morphallactic regeneration.

Recent studies have characterized many paradigms (a primary form or type from which varieties are derived) for the investigation of cellular and molecular events associated with morphallaxis. Posterior regions, with isolated body segments that obtain a new segmental position, enbodies transformations in axonal diameter, giant fiber conduction velocity, touch within sensory fields, and other physiological properties for new positional identity of the fragment.

Boric Acid, has been proven to be toxic in many organisms through its impact on their entire bodies effecting sexual reproduction, asexual reproduction, and development. It has been stated that boric acid may disrupt epimorphosis (segmental regeneration) in the the Lumbriculus variegatus. This experiment will show the effect of boric acid on the worms, and whether, morphallaxis is dependent on concomitant epimorphosic production of additional fragments such as the head and tail.

In the experiment boric acid in active concentrations is demonstrated, the fragments do not undergo head or tail formation, but morphallaxis was still found in this Oligochaeta. This concluded that morphallactic mechanisms are not dependent on ongoing epimorphosis. Therefore, developmental methods in these worms requiring morphallaxis are independent, and boric acid suppresses architomic fission.

Lumbriculus variegatus were purchased from Flinn Scientific, Inc. (Batavia, IL). Their habitat consisted of a moderately aerated Ozarka spring water, at a constan degree of 16 Celsius in the dark. Brown paper towel peices were distributed to each worm for substrate, they were fed Tetramin staple flakes, and Spirulina powder twice weekly.

Writing and Reading in Rain

Romance, drama, horror, and comedy are all very interesting genres to me. I read about these groups in books such as: Wicked, Rhapsody, and Phantom of the Opera. My favorite thing to write is poetry, it is a deep passion of mine that I have done for five years. On the day of my graduation I actually made my salutatorian speech into a poem. I'm a very emotional poet that writes from her heart, so you can just imagine the tear jerker I exspressed to my senior class on our last day at Oak Hill High School.
As a writer with poise and zest, I view my work to be honest and nonjudgemental. My opinions are usually well reiterated from my own experiences, but I do have trouble writing about topics I am not interested in. Hopefully, writing and english will become less of a hardship for me after this Health Career Opportunity Program.
In high school I rarely composed on a keyboard. Most of my assignments were hand-written. I email and text frequently so my computer networking skills have originated from basic knowledge and one keyboarding class I took in high school. In time, and with dedication I hope to become an amazing writer. With proper guidance I know I can reach this goal and prosper.

Part 2

I'm really excited about HCOP (Health Career Opportunity Program)! I arrived six days ago, and already have made tons of friends. This great learning exsperience will further my knowledge in Chemistry, Math, Biology, and Study Skills.
This is my first week at HCOP, and I already feel more confident in many of the areas I lacked confidence. All of my professors have been extremely insightful, and supportive. I never took Chemistry in high school, but this program has already given me an amazing introduction into it.
I am beginning to understand Chemistry, and with this program and the help of my professors I will not be devistated to enter any of my classes in the fall. I feel as if this program will prepare me for college in more ways than one. Not only will I have an introduction into several subjects that I have classes in, but I will be more confident in myself and my learning abilities.
In high school I always had an advantage in all my classes. Either I already knew most of the topics we would cover, or I could always cram and memorize the information a day or so befor the test. I know college is more difficult, and my study methods are not the best. I need new ways to retain information, and accurate studying techniques. I want to make good grades in college! All A's if possible. I am very determined, and strong willed. I believe in that saying: if first you don't succeed, try, try again. If I don't understand something I am not afraid to find the answer.
The only thing I really don't enjoy in school is being asked questions. Even if I know the work, or can answer the question. I detest being called on. I do not know what's wrong with me. I wasn't always this way, but when teachers ask me questions I break down. It is like I go blank.

Part 1

Hi, everyone! This fall I will be joining many of you at West Virginia University. My name is Sherain Thomas, and I'm extremely excited to be furthering my degree at one of the best schools in West Virginia.

About Me: I am a very considerate person, who loves to have fun. Usually people notice me. I don't know why. They just do. Probably because I never stop smiling! I enjoy helping others, and that's why I plan on majoring in Occupational Therapy. I'm very outgoing, talkative, and energetic. Singing, dancing, and reading are three of my passions. I come from a small town, but I love the city. I travel a lot, to places like: New York, Georgia, Virginia, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, and Delaware. In the future I plan on traveling to exotic places in Africa and South America. I appreciate the little things in life, because life is to short to waste. I have lost a couple family members, and through it all that is one thing that I have learned, so I don't take people for granted, and I respect everyone that respects me. I'm the type of woman that would give someone the shirt of my back.





Honors: Graduated as the Salutatorian of my high School and Varsity Cheerleading Captain!

Hero: My mother