C. elegans Chemotaxis Assay: A Method to Test Chemosensation in Worms

Abstract

Source: Campbell, J. C., et al. A Caenorhabditis elegans Nutritional-Status Based Copper Aversion Assay. J. Vis. Exp. (2017).

This video introduces chemotaxis in the nematode C. elegans and shows a sample protocol testing chemotactic aversion to copper sulfate.

Protocol

The following protocol is an excerpt from Campbell et al, A Caenorhabditis elegans Nutritional-Status Based Copper Aversion Assay, J. Vis. Exp. (2017). Preparation of Experimental Organisms Pick 10 L4 staged nematodes per strain 24 h prior to commencing the assay to ensure that organisms are young adults when tested. For each mutant or control nematode tested, pick 10 L4s (10 for the control and 10 for the assay). Maintain L4 organism…

Representative Results

Figure 1: A Visual Representation of Markings to Indicate Copper Solution Placement on the Underside of a 5 cm Petri Dish. These indications are used to ensure that the sections of the plate have been appropriately measured and serve as a guideline when transferring the bacterial patch and then copper solution onto the agar surface. <i…

Materials

M9 Solution [3 g KH2PO4, 6 g Na2HPO4, 5 g NaCl, 1 ml 1 M MgSO4, H2O to 1 litre. Autoclave to sterilize before use.]			Produced in lab
Cupric Sulfate	Sigma	C-1297	Use water to appropriately suspend to a concentration of 0.5M