Investigating the Use of Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) to Determine the Distribution of Invasive Cattail Species in Worcester

Presenter

Disha Khanna

Campus

Worcester State University

Sponsor

Aleel K. Grennan, Department of Biology, Worcester State University

Schedule

Session 1, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM [Schedule by Time][Poster Grid for Time/Location]

Location

Poster Board A62, Campus Center Auditorium, Row 4 (A61-A80) [Poster Location Map]

Abstract

Cattails play an important role in wetland environments by providing both cover and food for wildlife. They act as “filters” in these environments and can reduce pollutants and contaminants from soil or water through bioremediation. There are two commonly found cattail species found in the United States. Typha latifolia (broad leaf cattail) is a native cattail commonly found in wetlands across the United States. Another cattail species, Typha augustifolia (narrow leaf cattail), an aggressive invasive, is thought to be introduced from Europe. Ecological impacts of this invasion include reducing wetland species diversity and replacing native species from the wetlands. It is difficult to determine which species is present by vegetative growth alone, due to the morphological similarities of the two species. Floral structure needs to be examined to determine the difference between the two species. The objective of this study is to test a molecular technique to determine which species of cattail, T. latifolia or T. augustifolia is present in the Greater Worcester area. DNA from cattails were isolated, a conserved gene amplified, and then digested with restriction enzymes. Restriction fragment length polymorphisms were used to distinguish between the two species. This procedure will help us rapidly understand how widespread the invasive cattail species is in Worcester. 

Keywords

Invasive Species , Genetic Differences, Ecosystem Dynamics, Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism, Species Distribution

Research Area

Biological Organisms

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