Sienna J. Wallace Bachelor of Science in Biology
PAPER Wallace, S.J., Blaschka, D. (SVSU student), & Lange, G.M. (2011, March). Effects of triclosan on development and behavior of the fruit fly (drosophila melanogaster). Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Michigan Academy of Science, Arts, and Letters, Saginaw Valley State University, University Center, MI. Triclosan is a chlorophenol compound that has found widespread use as an antibacterial and antifungal agent in a wide array of consumer products. In use for only the last 40 years, triclosan was initially found most commonly in soaps. However, during the last ten years triclosan has been incorporated into many more everyday items including deodorants, toothpastes, mouthwash, and has been infused into plastics used for kitchen utensils, toys, and refuse and food storage bags. The chemical structure of triclosan is in the class of phenols, and the compound is considered a chlorinated cyclic compound. This means triclosan has a strong potential to mimic steroid hormones in the body if ingested, leading to endocrine system disruption in the body. In this study we will use a fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) model to determine and assess the endocrine disruption potential of triclosan on development by examining neural growth, behavior and fecundity in these organisms. Behavioral and locomotor tests are reported for larval, pupae, and adult flies following triclosan exposure and compared to control populations undergoing similar tests.
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Saginaw Valley State University