Project:

Using DNA Barcoding Exploring the Diversity of Species of Moss in Different Habitats of Cold Spring Harbor, NY

Students:

Anna Eisenegger, Genevieve Kessler

School:

Cold Spring Harbor High School, Suffolk

Mentors:

Jaak Raudsepp

Abstract:

Our project will give insight into the different types of moss that live on Long Island. We are studying how these types of moss are drawn to certain environments and how different environments influence the different species of moss that grow. We will take different samples of moss from different locations and conditions. One moss sample will be taken from near the harbor, another sample will be taken from wooded areas, and another sample will be taken from artificial areas. Then we will take our samples to the DNA Learning Center, where we will produce the barcodes of the samples to discover the different species. To do so, we will isolate, extract, and purify DNA from tissue. Using the DNA Barcoding website, we will use BLAST to identify sequences in databases. We will then analyze our results and determine whether there are differences in the moss samples due to different conditions, and how those different species may play different roles in the environment.

Poster:

Team samples: