Poster Presentation

Serratia Marcescens Mutations in the Elevated Ultraviolet Radiation Conditions of the Stratosphere

Author: Gabrielle Iglesias (Trevecca Nazarene University)

Abstract

Serratia marcescens grown on agar plates were transported to the stratosphere in a high altitude balloon in order to view mutations resulting from elevated exposure to ultraviolet radiation. A control was left on the ground collecting a moderate amount of UV radiation. S. marcescens was used because it changes pigment when there is a mutation present. Since the ultraviolet radiation is greater in the stratosphere than in our control at ground level, then the plates being sent with the balloon should have a higher mutation rate than the plates located on the ground.The scientific research conducted resulted in the bacteria sent in the balloon not producing as many colonies as well as the control. This could have been due to the harsh conditions of the stratosphere.

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How to Cite: Iglesias, G. (2011) “Serratia Marcescens Mutations in the Elevated Ultraviolet Radiation Conditions of the Stratosphere”, Academic High Altitude Conference. 2011(1). doi: https://doi.org//ahac.8129