The Regeneration of Planaria

Research Paper # 104224

This paper describes an experiment where transected planaria were exposed to 0.05%, 0.01% and 0.001% magnesium chloride (MgCl) concentrations.

1,418 words () | 14 sources | APA | 2008 Canada

Paper Summary:

The paper explains that magnesium chloride (MgCl) plays a role in wound closure of flatworms, so it was hypothesised that the higher concentrations of MgCl would decelerate the healing process, preventing the two planaria head halves from reattaching and thereby leading to the generation of two complete heads. The paper discusses the results and relates the purpose of the experiment that is to help people recover lost limbs and regenerate nervous tissue.

Outline:
Materials & Methods
Results
Discussion

From the Paper:

"Planaria are free-living flatworms that can be found in marine, aquatic, and terrestrial environments [1]. The planarian is a member of the phylum Platyhelminthes, and class Turbelleria which is known for having simple organ systems. It consists of a small brain, perceptual organs and digestive system that comprises of a mouth, pharynx, and an intestine [2]. Planaria are known for having a highly robust regeneration system [3]. When part of its body is transected, each piece (as little as 50mm3) of that part has the ability to regenerate itself [4,5]."

Sample of Sources Used:

1. Garside, C. 2006. Biol 3050U: Planaria Regeneration Laboratory. UOIT.
2. Pitt-Bradford. Science in Motion.
http://www.upb.pitt.edu/scienceinmotion/UPB%20SIM%20BIO/bio013a_Planaria%20Intro.doc. 2002.
Accessed on 10.24.2007
3. Peter W.R. and Alvarado A.S. 2004. Fundamentals of Planarian Regeneration. Annual Review of Cell and Developmental Biology. Vol 20, p725-757.

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APA Citation:

The Regeneration of Planaria (2012, January 15). Retrieved February 13, 2012, from http://www.academon.ca/Research-Paper-The-Regeneration-of-Planaria/104224