The Effect of Temperature on the Phototactic Mobility of Euglena Gracilis

Authors

  • Japnit Bhatia
  • Vanessa Lee
  • Elle MacLennan
  • Yasaman Yaghoub

Abstract

Euglena gracilis is a mixotrophic algae that can gain energy through photosynthesis and phagocytosis. Previous research has extensively studied the relationship between temperature and motility; however, much of the effect of temperature on positive phototaxis is still unclear. Therefore, the objective of our study is to investigate the effect of temperature on the phototactic mobility of E. gracilis towards light (positive phototaxis). We predicted that an increase in temperature, until out of optimal range, would increase the rate of positive phototaxis. To test this prediction, we exposed E. gracilis to different incubation temperatures: 12°C, 17°C, 25°, and 35°C. Our data was analyzed using a one-way ANOVA test. It was found that there is no statistical difference in the mean cell density at different temperatures (p=0.728). Thus, the null hypothesis was not rejected.

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Published

2020-07-10

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Section

Articles