Sensory System

Just Keep Swimming: Structure, Movement, and Light Interactions of Unicellular Green Algae

Abstract Popular scientific theory suggests that life on earth originated in a primordial ocean billions of years ago. Basic prokaryotic cells allegedly diverged into eukaryotes, and chloroplasts that produce oxygen later appeared. The first organisms with functioning chloroplasts are presumed to be a kind of marine algae. The genus

Ai-Lan Ji-Eun Nguyen, Tesnim Obey, Anders Schwarz and Jackson Yu

The Biophysics of Volvox

Abstract Volvox are microscopic colonial algae that are heavily studied as they are one of the simplest examples of multicellular organisms. Composed of hundreds to tens of thousands of individual cells moving in harmony, they are the source of several mesmerizing phenomena, each of them serving a purpose for the

Robinson Libman, Meryem Louni, Ryan McGibbon, and Ali Najjar

Unveiling the Chemistry of Radiolaria: Exploring Elemental Insights and Environmental Significance

– ABSTRACT – The Radiolarian species are a diverse group of marine microorganisms. They are known for their intricate and multi-functional silica skeletons. Due to rough oceanic conditions, the formation of a hard silica shell through biomineralization allows them to maintain their shape. The dissolution of their siliceous skeletons at

Vicky Barré, Rhiannon Butler, Valerie Hung, and Liora Benzecry

An Investigation into the Mathematical Modeling of the Properties of Gonium

ABSTRACT The multicellular algae of genus Gonium have been shown to be a remarkable feat of evolution. It can be difficult to fully appreciate the colonial algae’s ingenuity when only observing the organism. By attempting to model their behaviour, insight into the beauty of their design can be gained in

Andrew D’Argenio, Breanna D’Ettorre, Lucas Elliott, and Joseph Gad

An Investigation into the Chemical Properties of Gonium

ABSTRACT Gonium is a genus of multicellular green algae with chemical systems of high complexity developed by generations of evolution. Gonium is an autotroph and exhibits a variety of chemical photocycles that control its behavior without a central nervous system. Because Gonium has no cellular differentiation, chemical systems exist separately

Andrew D’Argenio, Breanna D’Ettorre, Lucas Elliott, and Joseph Gad

An Investigation of the Physical Properties of Gonium

ABSTRACT Gonium pectorale is a small 16-celled photosynthetic algae that provides a refreshing outlook on the evolution of green algae and the concept of modularity. Each individual cell operates with its own two flagella, which are propulsion appendages, and an eyespot, an optical light sensor. Without a central nervous system,

Andrew D’Argenio, Breanna D’Ettorre, Lucas Elliott, and Joseph Gad

Phenotypic Adaptation of Daphnia Throughout Evolution

Abstract Daphnia, referred to as water fleas due to their distinctive hop-and-sink swimming pattern, are commonly found navigating freshwater lakes and ponds. Their phenotype, finely tuned to their environment and way of life, is dynamically adaptive throughout their lifecycle, showcasing variations in eye size, carapace shape, and swimming behaviors. Their compound

Eva Otell, Iris Sun, Marwan Sobh, Rémi Ouellette, Xinying Wang

Copepods Through the Lens of Chemistry

Abstract Copepods, a resilient group of crustaceans, are adaptable to a variety of environments. This paper explores the captivating world of copepods, focusing on how they are resilient towards cyanobacterial blooms and toxic diatoms, and how they use bioluminescence and pigmentation to increase their fitness levels. Copepods have evolved symbiotic

Johanna Turton, Melodi Rousset, Philippe Mercier, and Tanjin Sultana

Mechanics and Optics of Cyanobacteria: How to Survive over Billions of Years

Abstract This essay sheds light on a unique photoautotrophic prokaryote that presents a wide range of physical properties. Although billions of years old, cyanobacteria still ingeniously make use of their structural composition, mechanical processes, and optical properties to interact with their surroundings. With a strong gliding motility, a light sensing

Maria Delgopiatof, Max Bai, Sierra Bushey, and Valerie Syme

Underwater Chemists; Discussion of Design Solutions in Tintinnid Ciliates

Abstract In this essay we explore tintinnids’ intricate design solutions through the lens of chemical processes and pathways, emphasizing the vital role chemistry plays in their survival. These ciliates employ complex chemical processes that regulate digestion, reproduction, self-protection, and swimming mechanisms. We explore the cell and life cycle of tintinnids,

Alexa Bailey, Lou Cubberly, Margaux-Blondin Routhier, Niall Slack-Watkins

The Physics of Coral Polyps

Abstract Coral polyps have been studied from many scientific standpoints, but this paper will examine coral polyps from a physical standpoint. To begin, polyps were analyzed under the lens of kinetics, relating the specific movement of polyps to the benefits of this movement. Through their natural ability to manipulate water

Michael Beyrouthy, Cris Izzi, Claudio Petroni, Alex Tsiskakis

Magnetic Marvels: A Mathematical Exploration of Magnetotactic Bacteria

Abstract Order can be found within the seemingly complex, and perhaps even disordered, processes and shapes that constitute magnetotactic bacteria (MTB). This order can be explained by the concepts of mathematics. First and foremost, the crystalline structures within the magnetosomes of MTB can be modelled mathematically. Magnetite and greigite crystals

Alex Gagnon, Catriona Kirk, Jason Li, Sofian Martinais