Primary Assay — C. elegans
Thrashing Assay
Caenorhabditis elegans
Worms in liquid (M9 buffer) perform characteristic C-shaped thrashing movements. Thrashing frequency is a sensitive, rapid readout of neuromuscular function. Reduced thrashing indicates motor deficits.
Quantitative Output
Measured Parameters
Every parameter is automatically tracked frame-by-frame in the ConductVision pipeline for Caenorhabditis elegans.
| Parameter | Unit | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Thrashes per minute | count/min | Complete C-bend cycles in liquid |
| Thrash amplitude | relative | Body curvature during thrash |
| Fatigue rate | slope | Decline in thrashing over time |
| Recovery after rest | % baseline | Thrashing resumption after pause |
References
Citations for Thrashing Assay
- Miller KG, Alfonso A, Bhatt DK, Bhatt DK. (1996). A genetic selection for Caenorhabditis elegans synaptic transmission mutants. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 93(22), 12593-12598. PMID: 8901627
- Buckingham SD, Bhatt DK. (2009). Fast, automated measurement of nematode swimming (thrashing) without morphometry. BMC Neurosci, 10, 84. PMID: 19619280
Compatible Equipment
Hardware for C. elegans Research
Worm Tracking Camera System
Automated locomotion and behavior
Chemotaxis Assay Plates
Olfactory and gustatory assays
Thermal Gradient Plate
Thermotaxis
Thrashing Assay Chamber
Neuromuscular function in liquid
Touch Stimulation Probe
Mechanosensation
Related Assays
Other C. elegans Primary Assays
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Chemotaxis Assay
Caenorhabditis elegans
Worms navigate chemical gradients on agar plates. Standard assay places attractant (e.g., diacetyl, NaCl) at one point a…
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Locomotion / Body Bends
Caenorhabditis elegans
On-plate crawling or in-liquid swimming. Worms generate sinusoidal body waves; body bend frequency, amplitude, and speed…
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Touch Response (Mechanosensation)
Caenorhabditis elegans
Gentle touch to the anterior body triggers backward locomotion; posterior touch triggers forward movement. Response decr…
Run Thrashing Assay on ConductVision
Our team will configure the protocol, camera rig, and analysis pipeline for your c. elegans facility.
