Regulation of Regeneration in Terrestrial Planarians

Authors: Ava Miranov, Peter Ducey

SUNY Campus: SUNY Cortland

Presentation Type: Poster

Location: Old Union Hall

Presentation #: 58

Timeslot: Session A 9:00-10:00 AM

Abstract: Bipalium kewense is a terrestrial planarian species that reproduces primarily using asexual reproduction by breaking off their posterior end. This piece (= fragment) is capable of regenerating into a fully functioning adult planarian. A theoretical literature-based model explaining the fragmentation and regeneration process of this species hypothesizes the steps involved in fragmentation and regeneration. Experiments were performed to fill in the gaps of the model providing observations for what occurs after the break. Factors such as fragment size advantage, laboratory conditions, fragmentation predictability, and lack of a consistent break site in B. kewense were expanded on through experimental results.