Rachel Allee


Email: rmallee@gmail.com

Biology Department
Western Washington University
Mail Stop 9160
Bellingham, WA 98225-9160
Project:  Effects of anoxic conditions on thermal tolerance and stress protein levels in four local bivalves

My project will focus on the effects of anoxia and the interactions it has with the thermal tolerance of four local bivalves.  Nuttallia obscurata is a recent invader on whom little physiological research has been conducted and therefore the full extent of its invasiveness is not fully known.  Its physiological tolerances will be compared to two other clams: Venerupis phillipinarum, which was introduced in the 1930's, and Prototheca staminea, which is the local littleneck clam.  The mussel, Mytilus trossulus, commonly found in varying parts of the intertidal zone, will also be included in the analyses. The bivalves will have anoxic conditions induced by using rubber bands to keep them shut, then after a length of time will be tested for thermal tolerance by placing gill strips from the organism into three temperature treatments that will vary per species.  The tissue will be evaluated for time to death.   I will also monitor the stress induced by anoxia by examining stress protein (hsp70) levels in the tissues by utilizing the Western Blot Method.  A second procedure will examine the effects of three different lengths of anoxia on thermal tolerances and hsp70 levels.

My research will be supported by grants from the Pacific Northwest Shell Club and WWU's Research and Sponsored Programs.