The Neurological Effects of Aluminum Nitrate 9-Hydrate on the Behavior of Caenorhabditis Elegans
by Joshua Hong and L Hand
Category: Biology
Abstract – Aluminum (Al) is a ubiquitous element found in numerous aspects of human life. However, Al harbors much controversy as it has been claimed to be associated with neurodegenerative diseases. To explore its neurotoxicity, this study investigated aluminum nitrate 9-hydrate’s neurological effects on the behavior of Caenorhabditis Elegans (C. Elegans) and its mutant RB1074 strain. The experiment consisted of two tests: locomotion and chemotaxis. There was a general negative trend on the motor-sensory function of wild-type worms and a moderately positive to no influence on the mutant worms. Through experimentation, it was supported that Al may affect the neuromuscular control system.