Methods of extracting and analyzing secondary metabolites in Cladonia rangiferina

Anna Connelly

Cladonia rangiferina is a bushy fruticose lichen found in artic regions, as well as many regions in South Carolina. C. rangiferina, like other lichens, is a mutualistic relationship between a fungus and an algae. These two organisms working together form a dual organism. These dual organisms produce secondary metabolites in order to survive. Many of these secondary metabolites can be extracted and analyzed through different chemical methods. This research was conducted in order to find the secondary metabolites produced by C. rangiferina collected from different areas in South Carolina. The methods created so far include extraction and running the samples using TLC. This research will be continued by analyzing the Rf values obtained from TLC and running the samples using an IR spectrometer and a NMR spectrometer. [Poster pending additional data.]

• Anna Connelly graduated from Saluda High School in Saluda. She is currently a sophomore chemistry major with an emphasis for pre-pharmacy. She is an active member of the Lander University Wind Ensemble and Lander University Jazz Band, as well as the Honors College. She is also a student worker in the chemistry department.