John Hobby

hobbyneromail.fresnostate.edu

Previous student research, in Dr. Ross' lab, led to the successful creation of mitochondrial-nuclear hybrids of the Caenorhabditis briggsae nematode. These nematodes were believed to be mitochondrial deficient, due to an incompatibility between the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes of different parental strains AF16 and HK104. To further look for, and quantify abnormal mitochondrial function, my project will be focused on male sperm motility from multiple strains of these hybrids. Motility is energy consuming, and cells need normal functioning mitochondria for efficient ATP production. This is because ATP, the fuel that powers the cell, is manufactured within mitochondria. Our hypothesis states, if there is a deficiency in the amount of ATP being produced, we expect significantly lower male sperm motility rates. Lower motility rates would infer a possible fitness disadvantage based upon the mechanics of nematode fertilization.