Planarian 'Vision': A Combination of Ocular and Dermal Phototransduction
Faculty Advisor
Dr. Silvia Rossbach
Department
Biological Sciences
Presentation Date
4-14-2016
Document Type
Poster
Abstract
Like many aquatic animals, planarians are strongly photo phobic and quickly seek cover when exposed to light. Traditionally, this negative photo taxis has been assessed using white light, which is an amalgamation of multiple wavelengths. However, many animals are known to have different responses to different wavelengths, suggesting studies using white light may mask more complex behaviors. Furthermore, similar to C. elegans, leeches, and Drosophilalarvae, planarians are capable of non-visual (extraocular) photo transduction. Here, we use a novel a planarian behavioral assay to test differential responses to individual wavelengths. We also examine extraocular responses to light and propose a potential genetic mechanism. Together, our results illustrate the sophistication of the planarian visual system and suggest that planarian photo taxis is more complex than previously thought.
WMU ScholarWorks Citation
Birkholz, Taylor, "Planarian 'Vision': A Combination of Ocular and Dermal Phototransduction" (2016). Research and Creative Activities Poster Day. 186.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/grad_research_posters/186