P-19 hcnABC Operon Transcription of Pseudomonas putida under Varying Iron and Oxygen Concentrations and Culture Age
Abstract
The species Pseudomonas putida produces hydrogen cyanide (HCN) through the transcription of the hcnABC operon. The purpose of this experiment is to determine how the hcnABC operon is affected by varying levels of iron and oxygen, and age of bacteria culture. To test this, P. putida is grown under five conditions: the presence of iron, the absence of iron, with aeration, without aeration, and without iron and aeration. At 8, 18, and 30 hours, the cultures are assessed for HCN production and cell density. HCN production is measured via bioluminescence; light emission occurs whenever HCN is produced because the modified form of P. putida contains the luciferase gene. The cell density is determined using agar plating and a spectrophotometer. Bacterial cultures with iron and minimal aeration tend to have greater bioluminescence and result in higher cell densities, increasing HCN production.
Thesis Record URL
Location
Buller Hallway
Start Date
3-7-2014 2:30 PM
End Date
3-7-2014 4:00 PM
P-19 hcnABC Operon Transcription of Pseudomonas putida under Varying Iron and Oxygen Concentrations and Culture Age
Buller Hallway
The species Pseudomonas putida produces hydrogen cyanide (HCN) through the transcription of the hcnABC operon. The purpose of this experiment is to determine how the hcnABC operon is affected by varying levels of iron and oxygen, and age of bacteria culture. To test this, P. putida is grown under five conditions: the presence of iron, the absence of iron, with aeration, without aeration, and without iron and aeration. At 8, 18, and 30 hours, the cultures are assessed for HCN production and cell density. HCN production is measured via bioluminescence; light emission occurs whenever HCN is produced because the modified form of P. putida contains the luciferase gene. The cell density is determined using agar plating and a spectrophotometer. Bacterial cultures with iron and minimal aeration tend to have greater bioluminescence and result in higher cell densities, increasing HCN production.
Acknowledgments
J.N. Andrews Honors Scholar
Advisor: Robert Zdor, Biology