Effects of Amino Acid Supplementation on Regeneration Rate in Planarian Flatworms

Overview

Experiments have identified that sulfur containing amino acids (SAA) can have adverse effects on mice and rats, including significantly shortening their lifespans, but little research has been done regarding the effects of SAA on tissue regeneration. Planarian flatworms are widely recognized for their regenerative abilities due to their permanent supply of neoblasts. Because of this, planarian have been identified as an excellent model for experiments involving tissue regeneration and stem cells. In my experiment, I investigated the effects of SAA on planarian regeneration. I had five groups: a control (spring water) and four experimental groups. Two of the groups contained all the essential amino acids without SAA; concentrations of 0.100% and 0.050% were prepared. Two of the groups contained all the essential amino acids with sulfur containing acids methionine and cysteine; concentrations of 0.100% and 0.050% were prepared. Each group contained five planaria. The planaria were cut horizontally, and their volumes were recorded and analyzed on days 5 and 10. I hypothesized that the planaria in the solutions containing sulfur amino acids would regenerate significantly less than the control and the groups in the solutions containing essential amino acids without SAA. I also hypothesized that the planaria regenerating in the solutions of amino acids without SAA would regenerate significantly more than the planaria in the control and experimental groups containing SAA. The data collected and analyzed through statistical tests showed that the planaria in the solution containing SAA at 0.100% concentration regenerated significantly less than the control and the other experimental group at that concentration. There was no significant difference between the volumes of the planaria in any of other groups. Further research is needed to determine the range of concentrations at which restricting SAA effects planarian regeneration.

Competition history

• AJAS 2019 Category not listed

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