Possible Project Ideas

Diary: Week 1

During week 1 the team decided on a rough project outline which involves producing a protein microcompartment found in Salmonella in E.coli. Bacterial microcompartments (BMC’s) are protein organelles found within bacteria. The physiological function of these compartments is to promote specific metabolic processes by colocalising enzymes with subtrates and also cofactors. After expressing the microcompartment in E.coli we will attempt to target different proteins to the compartment which may have a bioremediation function for example. Ideas on what could be targeted to the compartment as well as a name for the project are still under discussion.

The team was given a health and safety briefing and before starting in the labs attended a several tutorials on basic microbiology and molecular biology. The rest of the week was spent learning different laboratory techniques such as miniprep, transformations, isolating chromosomal DNA, PCR and restriction digests which will be critical for our project. Although this was largely successful some of the team did not get the desired result from their PCR’s (Jane and Brian) better luck next time. Towards the end of the week we had a group meeting and discussion to establish a cloning strategy and also to design the primers needed for our gene of interest. Our computer team spent a large amount of the week designing our website which is now up and running.

Fail of the Week = Jane’s PCR

Diary: Week 2

Week 2 saw the team begin the iGEM project. It began by performing mini-preps to extract the plasmid pUNI-PROM from our E.coli strain. A restriction digest was then performed as well as adding an Antarctic phosphatase to prevent our plasmids rejoining. Our plasmids are now ready to be incorporated with our genes of interest. While waiting for the primers to arrive our team divided into groups to work on a project outline and description as well as the health and safety issues of the project.

Primers finally arrived. PCR’s were performed and our genes of interest were successfully incorporated into our vector through ligation and stratoclean steps. Our clones were left to grow in LB Amp medium so that we can perform Quick change on the genes which have additional Pst I sites on them.

Fail of the week = Natasha and her butter fingers