Sample information

Ants were collected from different locations around the Penn state campus located in state college Pennsylvania. Collection of ants was random to ensure validity of study. A total sample size of (n=3) ants were collected. It was a sunny day, and the ants were behaving normally. The temperature was approximately 50 degrees with slight winds.

Methods

Arthropods were collected from Penn state campus by using sterile tweezers and 95% ethanol to preserve the specimens and prevent DNA degradation. Each sample was then labeled according to the collection location and stored in a -20-degree Celsius fridge until processing. DNA was then extracted from the samples by a lysis buffer and then ethanol precipitation to isolate genetic material. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was then performed by using primers that were specific to the Wolbachia protein gene (WSP). Positive and negative controls were included to validate amplification.  Each sample contained DNA, primers, and controls for Wolbachia. Gel electrophoresis was then preformed on an agarose gel stained with die and then visualized under UV light. The presence of a clear band indicated Wolbachia was present. Lanes 1, 8,10,14, &15 display positive results for Wolbachia.

Lane, one contained the PCR ladder control

Lane two contained the negative PCR control

Lane three contained the negative DNA extraction control

Lane eight contained the positive DNA extraction control

Lane fourteen and fifteen contained my samples

All other lanes were left empty for better readability

Results

A total of three arthropods from the same species were analyzed from three different locations at Penn state. The presence of Wolbachia was analyzed via gel electrophoresis and determined on band visibility. PCR showed that one of the ant samples contained Wolbachia. No amplification was observed in the negative controls. This confirmed the accuracy of our results. So, overall, it was stated that Wolbachia is present on Penn state’s campus.