Research Training Program

Catherine Sun
University of Delaware
Newark, Delaware

Jon Norenburg, Ph.D.
Supervising Scientist
Department of Invertebrate Zoology

"I never realized the extent to which some aspects of research in molecular biology and genetics are still in their infancies - it's very exciting. RTP has reinforced in me the concept that science is truly art."

Red Worm or Green Worm:
The Same or Different? Using Genes to Tell Them Apart

Nemerteans, or ribbon worms, are predatory worms, catching small crustaceans and other foods with a feeding tube. They live in a wide variety of habitats, from open ocean to terrestrial soils. Since studying these beautiful and biodiverse worms, scientists have asked many questions. For example, are two nemerteans, Lineus ruber and Lineus viridis the same or two different species? This research project attempts to answer this question by comparing some of their genes. After understanding how these two worms are related, scientists will be able to apply this knowledge to help map how all nemerteans are related. We can answer questions like: are the nemertean populations on the coast of North America from northern Europe?, and did the worms colonize the coasts before or after the Atlantic glacier receded 12,000 years ago?

This research was supported by the Alice Eve Kennington Internship Endowment.