The stress protein Hsp70 is one of several stress proteins that may be implicated in the anhydrobiotic survival of tardigrades. A protocol was developed for successful dehydration of the animals as well as a crude full tissue sample preparation of both active and tun (dehydrated) animals was determined. A more delicate preparation was determined for quantitative analysis of protein levels. The samples were probed to confirm the presence of Hsp70, and then a more sensitive blot was normalized against total protein. Quantification was performed by densitometric analysis of the western blots. The quantification of protein supported the initial hypothesis with an increase in protein amounts of approximately 1.47 times when the animals are in a dehydrated state.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Davis, John Fortier

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042910-130329

Advisor

• Wobbe, Kristin K.

Year

• 2010

Sponsor

• University of Massachusetts Medical School

Date created

• 2010-04-29

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Biochemistry

Rights statement

• In Copyright

Last modified

• 2020-12-27