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From 2011.igem.org

Possible models...

Evolutionary analysis of cell-display vs. secretion?

This idea is broadly suggested by [http://www.springerlink.com/content/4l4m28lp06120253/ Van Zyl et al (2007)].

One potential benefit of attaching enzymes to the cell surface rather than secreting them into the ether is that any mutations that increase enzyme efficiency will specifically benefit the cell with the mutation, as the increased sugar yield will be physically present at the cell. The mutation will thus confer a fitness advantage, potentially allowing it to take over the culture.

By contrast, if a cell produces a secreted protein that is of higher efficiency, it will disperse and benefit random cells in the culture.

References

• Van Zyl WH, Lynd LR, Den Haan R, McBride EJ (2007) [http://www.springerlink.com/content/4l4m28lp06120253/ Consolidated bioprocessing for bioethanol production using Saccharomyces cerevisiae]. Advances in Biochemical Engineering/Biotechnology 108: 205-235 (doi: 10.1007/10_2007_061).

This was the old Navbox for Edinburgh; now it's obsolete...