120 likes | 133 Views
The Kentuck-E Derby is a project at Ouachita Baptist University that combines biology and computer science through an active and hands-on approach. The project aims to teach basic concepts while encouraging abstract thinking and engagement. Join us for a semester-long project that is both educational and fun!
E N D
Kentuck-E. Derby Nathan Reyna, Biology Jeff Matocha, Computer Science Ouachita Baptist University
Project Goals • Active, hands-on approach to teaching basic biology and computer science concepts • Encourage abstract thinking • Keeps students/faculty engaged in a semester long project. • Have fun
Initial Signal Project Overview • Goal • To engineer a biological “wire” capable of propagating a chemical signal down its length
Doh! Harvard iGEM 2005 Kang-Xing Jin Yin Li Thomas Noriega Daniel Popper Alexander Rush Yves Wang Orr Ashenberg Patrick Bradley Connie Cheng Chris Doucette Hing Eng Jennifer Gao
Requirements • Inducible Promoter • Product/Signal that activates promoters in other cells • Secrete product outside of cell • Cell to cell communication/Quorum sensing • Detection Method
Method • Signal: acyl-homoserine lactones (AHL) used in bacterial quorum sensing • Lux system: 3OC6HSL • Las system: 3OC12HSL • Sender device • Other promoters associated with cell to cell communication • Most are “in planning” stage • LacI generator • LacI promoter
Harvard’s Conclusions • Conclusions • Degradation tags, RBS/promoter strength may need fine-tuning • Because of positive feedback, noise is amplified • Further experiments necessary
Tracking the Horses • GFP production across plate • Change in pH gradient • Vernier conductivity probe • Senses changes in pH • Connects to a computer • Currently use probes in Freshman Bio and Gen Chem
CS student projects • Data acquisition • interfacing with probes • Data reporting
Computer Science Time
Not just a one heat race • Reduce pathway bottlenecks • Diffusion rates/distance between cells
Questions • What promoter/signal pairs do we have? • Are they secreted outside the cell?