Honors Theses (Biology)

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A Novel Method for Investigation of Postembryonic Neural Reorganization in the Tobacco Hornworm, Manduca sexta
(2006-06) Patterson, Kelly McNamara
The tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta, provides a model system for examining the reorganization of neural circuits during metamorphosis. The larval tobacco hornworm exhibits a pre-ecdysis behavior which serves to loosen the old cuticle at the culmination of each molt before the old cuticle is shed at ecdysis. These insects undergo behavioral changes during metamorphosis involving reorganization of the neural circuits that produce the pre-ecdysis behavior, decreasing the strength of the pre-ecdysis behavior during the molt from the larval to pupal life stages. The methodology used in the past for experiments investigating this important model system was extremely complex, relying on precise staging of the insects as well as lengthy dissections and methods for nervous system preparation. This study examined the effectiveness of exposure of isolated abdominal nerve cords to synthetic Pre-Ecdysis Triggering Hormone in initiating the motor pattern that produces the pre-ecdysis behavior.