BIOL 116 Template 2024

Introduction

Figure 1. Electron micrograph of the Ebola Zaire virus. This was the first photo ever taken of the virus, on 10/13/1976. By Dr. F.A. Murphy, now at U.C. Davis, then at the CDC.[1].

At right is a sample image insertion. It works for any image uploaded anywhere to MicrobeWiki. The insertion code consists of:
Double brackets: [[
Filename: PHIL_1181_lores.jpg
Thumbnail status: |thumb|
Pixel size: |300px|
Placement on page: |right|
Legend/credit: Electron micrograph of the Ebola Zaire virus. This was the first photo ever taken of the virus, on 10/13/1976. By Dr. F.A. Murphy, now at U.C. Davis, then at the CDC.
Closed double brackets: ]]

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Section 1 The Role of Pleiotropy

Pleiotropy plays a significant role in the regressive evolution of eyes in cave-dwelling organisms, including mollies and Astyanax cavefish. Pleiotropy refers to a single gene influencing multiple traits, often resulting in evolutionary trade-offs. In cavefish, for example, genes associated with eye development also affect other traits critical for survival in the dark. One prominent gene implicated in this process is the Hedgehog (Hh) gene. Its altered expression not only reduces eye size but also increases taste bud density, which improves the fish's ability to detect food in nutrient-scarce cave environments.

Gene mapping of Mexican Astyanax reveals that three distinct genes across separate chromosomes influence eye development. Notably, one of these genes is closely associated with a gene regulating metabolic rate. This genetic linkage suggests that mutations enhancing metabolism might simultaneously impair eye development, providing evidence that pleiotropy may drive the regressive evolution of cavefish eyes. (reference)

Similarly, changes in jaw morphology and olfactory structures, likely linked to pleiotropic effects, further highlight the adaptive benefits of traits compensating for the loss of vision. For instance, mutations that impair eye development may also enhance the width of the olfactory pit, illustrating how natural selection can indirectly favor the loss of eyes through benefits to other systems.The absence of eyes also causes morphological changes that indirectly benefit cavefish. The bones surrounding the eye socket are repurposed, deforming the skull in ways that enhance other senses such as olfactory perception. Blind cavefish exhibit a 13% increase in the width of the olfactory pit, enlarging the surface area of the olfactory epithelium. This adaptation improves their sense of smell, enabling them to detect chemical cues, food in their environment more effectively. The deformation of the skull due to eye loss results in broader nasal structures, further increasing olfactory efficiency.

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Second citation of Ref 1:

Here we cite April Murphy's paper on microbiomes of the Kokosing river.

Section 2 Microbiome

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Here we cite Murphy's microbiome research again.

Conclusion

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References

Edited by [Isaac Turnley], student of Joan Slonczewski for BIOL 116, 2024, Kenyon College.