Corralling Wiggling Worms- Collecting Data for a Multi-Week Laboratory on the Effect of Various Treatments on the Pulsation Rate of the Dorsal Vessel of California Blackworms (Lumbriculus variegatus)
Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2013, Volume 34
Michael D. Killian & Dianne M. Baker
Abstract
The California blackworm, Lumbriculus variegatus, is a common model organism for instructional laboratory experiments examining the effect of environmental conditions and chemical treatments on cardiovascular function. Our introductory biology students test the effects of temperature, neurotransmitters, and common drugs on the pulsation rate of the dorsal blood vessel in the blackworm in a multi-week guided inquiry-based laboratory. We have found that by restraining the active worms in micropipets, students can accurately measure pulsation rate with relative ease. Using this technique, students are able to collect and analyze robust data within the time constraints of a typical laboratory period.
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