Graduation Semester and Year
Summer 2026
Language
English
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Biology
Department
Biology
First Advisor
Dr. Caitlin Maynard
Second Advisor
Dr. Matthew Walsh
Third Advisor
Dr. Mark Pellegrino
Abstract
While it is a known fact that specific environmental conditions must be met to ensure proper embryonic development, the impact of changes in this delicate balance is unclear. Ultraviolet (UV) light has a narrow range of effectiveness in mature tissue, where too little can hinder molecular signaling and too much can cause damage to genetic material. This study exposed in ovo chicken embryos in the preliminary stages of development to mid-range UV radiation to examine developing embryo and tissue morphology using anthropometric methods and comparing proliferative cells among embryos exposed to varying doses of UV light. Additionally, quantitative polymerase chain reaction methods were used to examine the expression of genes associated with repair mechanisms that specialize in damage incurred by UV radiation. Combining these data showed that a maximum of two hours of UV exposure per day is beneficial, showing healthier individuals and evidence of effective damage control mechanisms. More than two hours per day was found to be detrimental to embryonic development, with signs of disproportionate development. This data was supported by the expression of genes associated with repair mechanisms, where changes suggest activation of these processes, consistent with evidence of DNA damage. This study showed evidence supporting the delicate balance of UV radiation during early development of chicken embryos by suggesting the activation of DNA repair mechanisms to repair the damage incurred, resulting in subtle changes in morphogenesis at this stage.
Disciplines
Developmental Biology
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Hughes, Keelie, "EFFECT OF MID-RANGE ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT ON AVIAN EMBRYONIC DEVELOPMENT" (2026). Biology Theses. 4.
https://mavmatrix.uta.edu/biology_theses2/4