Comparing Symbiont Densities in Laboratory-Maintained and Field Populations of Acyrthosiphon pisum

Author

Georgina Lynda Aitolo, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Date of Award

12-2023

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Microbiology

Major Professor

Benjamin Parker

Committee Members

Elizabeth Fozo, Jill Mikucki

Abstract

Within-host density of the symbiont-infections. Symbionts have the capacity to establish within the host at a higher density to maintain a high transmission fidelity and sometimes higher density could mean stronger protection. Density matters because it influences the costs and benefits of symbiosis. Here, I showed that the density of symbionts varies in both single, co-infection and in the natural population of pea aphids. I compared data obtained from field-collected samples with data obtained under an experimentally controlled setting to determine the variation in symbiont density.

Recommended Citation

Aitolo, Georgina Lynda, "Comparing Symbiont Densities in Laboratory-Maintained and Field Populations of Acyrthosiphon pisum. " Master's Thesis, University of Tennessee, 2023.
https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_gradthes/10142