University of St. Thomas' 2004 Research Symposium, Abstract One

University of St. Thomas featuring:

Defense Mechanisms of Lichens*...

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Lichens are made up of 93% fungi and 7% algae; both of these microscopic organisms observe a symbiotic relationship. Although lichens produce many secondary metabolites, these chemicals do not pertain to regular metabolic processes, but instead, they play an important ecological role by being involved with antimicrobial and antibiotic activities and offering protection against the environment. Lichens not only add organic nitrogen to the ecosystem, but they also help make the growth and succession of plants possible after a burnt forest or a volcanic eruption, for example.

The purpose of this experiment was to study the defense mechanisms of lichens against some type of encroachment. The experimenters used an analogue of rhodocladonic acid called anthraquinone, which is one of the secondary metabolites of lichens, in order to further study its bioactivity and to determine its effects on mitosis.

In general, the experimenters found that b-tubulin, one of the components of microtubules (which are responsible for the alignment of the chromosomes on the metaphase plate), were not affected by anthraquinone. They also tested this metabolite on kinetochore proteins called dynein and kinesin and found that these were affected instead. The experimenters also noted that the stages of metaphase and anaphase were abnormal in that there was no distinct alignment of the chromosomes across the metaphase plate, but rather, these chromosomes were situated randomly on the plate. In addition to these results, the experimenters noted that anthraquinone decreased inhibition of germination and root malformation.

Literature Cited

Aguilar D, Oviedo R, Cervantez C. Examining the disruptive effects of an anthraquinone analogue on mitosis. 2004 UST Research Symposium; 2004 Apr 16; Houston (TX) at Crooker Center: [the program booklet], pg. 8.

--Reviews by Kathy Nguyen, 2004.

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* The full-length abstract is not displayed for public view, because it is compiled in the UST's 2004 Research Symposium program booklet. For more information on what the Research Symposium is, please visit the site: The UST Research Symposium.