Aphid Thermal Tolerance and Bacterial Mutation
Author Information
Author(s): Dunbar Helen E, WIlson Alex C., Ferguson Nicole R, Moran Nancy A
Primary Institution: Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona
Hypothesis
Does a single nucleotide deletion in Buchnera affect the thermal tolerance and reproductive success of aphids?
Conclusion
A mutation in the Buchnera symbiont significantly impacts aphid fitness depending on temperature conditions.
Supporting Evidence
- A single nucleotide deletion in Buchnera affects the heat-shock response of the ibpA gene.
- Aphids with the short allele of Buchnera show reduced reproductive success after heat exposure.
- The short allele of Buchnera is maintained at appreciable frequencies in field populations.
- Aphids with Buchnera containing the long allele reproduce better under heat stress.
Takeaway
A tiny change in bacteria that live inside aphids can make them better or worse at surviving heat, depending on the temperature.
Methodology
The study involved microarray experiments and RT-qPCR to assess gene expression in response to heat stress.
Limitations
The study's sample sizes were small, which may limit the power of the statistical analyses.
Participant Demographics
The study focused on the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum, and its symbiont Buchnera.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 7.26 × 10−7
Statistical Significance
p < 0.0025
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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