Department or Program

Biology

Abstract

The Gulf of Maine is warming at a rate faster than 98% of the rest of the world’s oceans. This increased warming is negatively affecting Maine’s intertidal ecosystem, namely the foundational species, the blue mussel (Mytilus edulis). Mytilus edulis experiences a plethora of abiotic and biotic stressors. Mytilus edulis has faced a drastic population decline over the past 40 years. However, research shows that the epigenome, the chemical mechanisms that promote or inhibit gene expression, can help species quickly adapt to changing climate. Researching DNA methylation and quantifying its byproduct, 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) is a way to study epigenetics: generally, changes in methylation patterns can be associated with changes in gene expression that may result in local adaptations to environmental change. Studying epigenetic modifications in stress response has not previously been conducted on M.edulis in Maine. My research examines epigenetic responses to stress by comparing 5-methylcytosine quantities across two sites in the Gulf of Maine at both high and low tide (Nubble Point and Downeast Institute). Informed by previous studies on environmental and climate stress, I hypothesized that my results would show differential methylation patterns at the southern (Nubble Point) and northern (Downeast Institute). Further, I hypothesized that there would be a difference in methylation levels at high and low tide because of the different stressors that are exclusive to or more intense at either tidal height. My results concluded that there was no difference in %5-mC between Nubble Point and Downeast Institute.

Level of Access

Open Access

First Advisor

Baumann, Justin

Second Advisor

Horton, April

Date of Graduation

5-2026

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Number of Pages

89

Components of Thesis

1 word doc file

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