TITLE: Ambystoma Tigrinum Secretions on the Growth of Saprolegnia and Green Algae

AUTHOR: Hai Huynh

SCHOOL: Somerville High School

SCHOOL ADDRESS: 81 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA. 02143

The purpose of my experiment is to see if ambystoma tigrinum secretions will effect the growth of the water mold Saprolegnia and green algae. I chose this particular salamander because it is terrestrial species which relies on it’s skin for protection against fungal infections, algal growth, and moisture loss. I hope to reap their gift of fungal and algal restriction for human use. Fungi are constantly evolving and burdening our health and the health of animals. Algae have grown in stagnant water holes, destroying the sensitive life cycles that need sunlight to sustain life. I hope these findings can be used in conjunction with my prior phases and experiments with bacteria. Possibly a new gresiofulvin-like antibiotic fungicide with an added algaecide.

I hypothesize that the secretions will prevent the growth of fungi or even kill the fungi. And I hypothesize the secretions will destroy the algae.

I have concluded that the secretions of the ambystoma tigrinum have fungicidic and algaecidic properties. The secretions killed the fungi and destroyed the algae. The moltings and water from the tank restricted the growth of the fungi and algae.

These findings, in combination with my previous findings of the secretions having antiobiotic properties could lead to the next gresiofulvin, which is an antibiotical fungicide. Ailments such as athlete’s foot can be cured as well as diseases of aquarium and food fish. Inevitably, preventive measures can be synthesized from these secretions to defend against the many molds that attack our food sources, such as potatoes, grapes, salmon, and other food fish.