Part I: E.Tree
Detail: The project “E.tree” is consisted of two genetically modified E.coli: E. trunk and E.leaf. E.trunk detects nitrates in the medium; if KNO3 is present, the first circuit is activated, RhlI produces the AHL (C4-homoserine lactone) and TetR is synthesized to block the second pathway. If the medium lacks KNO3, the first pathway is off while the second pathway is activated and LasI produces an AHL autoinducer (3OC12-homoserine lactone). E.leaf changes color corresponding to the signal molecules released by E.trunk. RhlR synthesized in E.leaf binds to the RhlI-directed signal, and the complex then interact with the pRhl promoter and yellow pigment is produced. This circuit also encodes RhlI, which multiple the circuit, so that all E.leaf would turn yellow. Similarly, if E.trunk releases 3OC12-homoserine lactone, which is encodes by LasI, all “leaves” would turn green.

Overall project

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you see these three words: tree, neon lights and dinner service? Christmas. Well, exactly, and that is what our project is all about. Our synthetic biology project will modify several E.coli to perform different jobs:

(1)Part I: E.tree

The tree includes the leaf part and the trunk part. The “leaves” will change color according to the nutrients in the “soil”: if the soil is rich in nitrates, the “leaves” are green and healthy; otherwise, the leaves will turn yellow.

(2) Part II: neon lights

Each engineered E.coli can emit one light at first (such as red); after a while, the red light fades and another light is emitted. The different combination of such E.coli could therefore achieve the effect of neon lights.

(3)Part III: dinner service

The genetically modified bacteria involve a certain self-feedback system. When the “customer” is starving, it orders dinner from the “chef”; and the chef serves meals. While the “customer” is full, it releases a signal molecule and tells the “chef” that no more food is wanted, so the “chef” stops cooking.

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