Toggle Switch

Quorum Sensing

Our project is based on a toggle switch system. So we have to explain how it works. Basically it corresponds to an irreversible choice between two pathways depending on the environment. In reality, the reversibility is possible but very difficult to obtain because of the strength of the interactions and the stability of the system (defined by hysteresis * insérer un lien ici*).

Contrary to us, bacteria can’t think or make voluntary choices. So how can they choose a pathway? Through our project, we are creating a genetic system which helps bacteria to take such a decision. For that, we exploit chemical components of the environment which influence the bacterial behaviour. By taking into account two proteins repressing each other’s expression (LacI and XR), we create the fundaments of a toggle system that can switch when using two inducers (IPTG and X) in the medium.

Ultra violet lamp:

There is a risk for the eyes and the skin, but the UV lamp is only used to take a picture of our gel after electrophoresis, so we are never directly exposed because there is a protective cover and we wear a mask that shields from UV.

Centrifuge:

The centrifuges have to be perfectly balanced. All the centrifuges in our lab have detectors that warn the operator in case of imbalance.

Autoclave:

The operation of the autoclave require a specific training and has only be performed by trained people.