Oral Presentations
Location
Room 232, Schewel Hall
Access Type
Campus Access Only
Entry Number
67
Start Date
4-10-2019 4:30 PM
End Date
4-10-2019 4:45 PM
College
Lynchburg College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Chemistry
Abstract
Generally, spiders are a unique species in their ability to produce and receive signals from silk produced by other spiders. Male spiders must determine which female spiders are safe to approach in search of courtship due to cannibalistic behaviors of the females. Research studies indicate that the silk produced by female spiders can contain specific chemicals or pheromones used in the signaling of courtship. Specifically in this study, the fishing spider, Dolomedes triton, was observed and silk was obtained from immature and mature females. Once samples of silk were obtained from the observed spiders, volatile compounds were extracted using organic solvents. Once volatile compounds were extracted, two derivatization methods were performed in order to more effectively detect any potential pheromone compounds. After the extractions and structural modifications, chemical analysis techniques such as gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS) were performed to determine the structure of any signaling pheromones. Ultimately, exploring the volatile pheromones produced in female fishing spider silk introduces further research regarding chemical signaling processes. Also, research regarding the volatility of chemical pheromones could aid in the understanding of the reproductive behaviors between female and male fishing spiders.
Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Jason Crumpton
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Derivatization and Analysis of Volatile Pheromones of Dolomedes triton via GC/MS
Room 232, Schewel Hall
Generally, spiders are a unique species in their ability to produce and receive signals from silk produced by other spiders. Male spiders must determine which female spiders are safe to approach in search of courtship due to cannibalistic behaviors of the females. Research studies indicate that the silk produced by female spiders can contain specific chemicals or pheromones used in the signaling of courtship. Specifically in this study, the fishing spider, Dolomedes triton, was observed and silk was obtained from immature and mature females. Once samples of silk were obtained from the observed spiders, volatile compounds were extracted using organic solvents. Once volatile compounds were extracted, two derivatization methods were performed in order to more effectively detect any potential pheromone compounds. After the extractions and structural modifications, chemical analysis techniques such as gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS) were performed to determine the structure of any signaling pheromones. Ultimately, exploring the volatile pheromones produced in female fishing spider silk introduces further research regarding chemical signaling processes. Also, research regarding the volatility of chemical pheromones could aid in the understanding of the reproductive behaviors between female and male fishing spiders.