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Paul Mathews
Biology

Nathan Tublitz, Mentor

Levels of a Neurochemical Integral in the Molting Behavior of Manduca sexta

The ability to modulate individual behaviors is key to the survival of most life forms. It allows for organisms to adapt to their surroundings and thus be more productive. This plasticity is due in part to neurotransmitters that allow certain behaviors to be modulated. In the case of Manduca sexta the neurotransmitter CCAP (crustacean cardioactive peptide) has been hypothesized to be a factor in the molting behavior, the shedding of the old cuticle. This behavior is integral to the survival of Manduca sexta because the failure to molt results in death. The principal purpose of this research is to show that CCAP is an integral part of molting and works in a hormonal fashion. The first step involves defining the half life of CCAP in the blood in order to deduce an approximate time of molting. The next step will show that CCAP levels in the blood increase and decrease as the animal goes through the molting behavior.