Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I was wondering if someone can please help me think of an idea for my science fair. I have my mind set on using C. Elegans but i cant find the right question. I dont want a project that is to easy either like on the roundworms lifespan. Any suggestions please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think that C. elegans is a very interesting organism and a great idea to use for a science fair project. One way to get some ideas would be to do some research on the organism. Check out some web pages and read about its life cycle. Then think about some questions you might be curious to know about C. elegans. Once you have an idea I suggest that you post it here and others can give you some further help on how to develop it into a full project. Good luck in your searching!

Matt Badtke

well i was thinking of using mutant C. elegans with sel-12 gene but i cant find a site where i can order C. elegans with specific mutations. My first plan was to test the effect of caffeine on the lifespan of C. elegans but my instructor said that is too easy.

Hi sciencefriends,

It might be "easy" according to your teacher, but learning about the effects of caffeine on C. elegans would be an intersting project (as I don't think anyone has done a project on it before). If it's something that interests you, go ahead and do it.

Hope that helps!

-Sam

Hi ScienceFriends,

C. elegans can be really fun for experiments! One advanced topic is RNAi (RNA interference), which involves a fairly easy experimental procedure but quite complicated concepts. To learn about RNAi, check out this website: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sciencenow/3210/02.html

Here is a website about how RNAi was discovered:
http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/rna/rnai/index.html

Here are some fabulous resources regarding the biology (including different mutations) of C. elegans:
www.wormbook.org
www.wormatlas.org
www.wormbase.org

Using RNAi, you can actually cause mutations in the worms! You can purchase plates for the growth of worms and for RNAi from www.lab-express.com. For the RNAi part, you need plates containing a chemical called IPTG. The catch is that you would need to obtain bacteria to feed to the worms, including bacteria that would cause RNAi for a certain gene. You might be able to order the bacteria (typically E. coli) online, but you can also see if you can get it from a lab at a local university.

Let me know if you are interested in this idea, because I may be able to put you in touch with a program that can help you get the materials you need.

Best,
Heather

Hi Heather

I am very interested in learning more about this. Could you help me please? I am also interested in working with c. elegans.

Thank you