- Department
- Email Address
- [email protected]
- Research Areas
- Research Keywords
- Research Description
The Crease lab studies the evolution of the ribosomal (r)DNA multigene family, which encodes rRNA, in freshwater crustaceans in the genus, Daphnia. rRNA is the catalytic component of ribosomes, the site of cellular protein synthesis. We also study the distribution and activity of the DNA transposon, Pokey, which targets a specific site in Daphnia rDNA as well as other genomic locations.
- Research Summary
Research in the Crease lab uses freshwater crustaceans in the genus Daphnia as a model organism to study evolution of the ribosomal (r)DNA multigene family, and of the DNA transposon, Pokey, which inserts in a specific region of the Daphnia rDNA repeat as well as other genomic locations. Current projects involve comparing rates of evolution in ribosomal proteins that bind to conserved and variable regions of rRNA genes, determining the impact of breeding system (cyclic or obligate parthenogenesis) on the evolution of rDNA and Pokey transposons, determining the relationship between rDNA copy number and Pokey distribution, and measuring rates of Pokey transposition inside and outside of rDNA.
- Techniques Used
DNA extraction, PCR, quantitative PCR, DNA sequencing, molecular cloning.
- Lab Equipment
Thermocyclers, electrophoresis apparatus, power supplies, incubators, microcentrifuges.
- Links