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Publication Date
2025
Document Type
Poster
Degree Type
Undergraduate
Department
Biological Sciences
Mentor
Dr. Tom Hammond
Abstract
Neurospora crassa, a genetic model of fungal research, produces sexual spores called ascospores. It was discovered that ascospore maturation can be inhibited by Spore killers that are encoded within the genome, with the three known Neurospora spore killers being Sk-1, Sk-2, and Sk-3. Spore killing occurs when a killer strain mates with a sensitive strain, and through killing, the Spore killer strain ensures that all surviving offspring inherit its genetic content rather than that of the sensitive strain. The offspring that survive also inherit a resistance gene from the Spore killer strain. This gene is called called rsk and it allows the offspring to survive the killing process. However, the offspring also inherit one or more killer genes. The identities of these genes are unknown. In this study, we are seeking to refine the location of a gene that controls spore killing. By deleting various DNA intervals (i396, i401, i402, and i407) that are thought to be located near or within a gene required for spore killing, we hope to help precisely map where this gene is located.
Recommended Citation
Tobin, Ellana; Kedzierzawski, Tim; Spriggs, Alexandra; Aguado, Danielle; and Hammond, Tom, "Where Art Thou Sk-3 Spore Killing Gene? Refining the Location of a Fungal Spore Killing Gene Through DNA Deletion Analysis" (2025). University Research Symposium. 497.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/rsp_urs/497