Date of Award

5-31-2017

Document Type

Campus Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biology

First Advisor

Linda Huang

Second Advisor

Katherine Gibson

Third Advisor

Kellee R. Siegfried

Abstract

The cell membrane is a semipermeable structure that plays important functions in determining cell morphology and maintaining a physical barrier between the cell and the surrounding environment. My research focuses on investigating key elements involved in cell membrane development using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a biological model. In S. cerevisiae, sporulation involves a highly regulated membrane developmental process in which de novo prospore membranes are synthesized to capture haploid nuclei. This prospore membrane is used as a template for the deposition of new cell wall layers that protect the haploid nuclei formed during sporulation from harsh environmental conditions. This study identified a new function for the Type IV P-Type ATPases DRS2 in prospore membrane development and spore formation. Cells without DRS2 were not able to form spores, although they proceed through meiosis normally, due to abnormal PSM development. Additionally by examining cho1 mutants, the study also demonstrated the important function of phosphatidylserine in cell growth rate in acetate media.

Comments

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