Characterization and Localization of TRAB and TRAJ Through Fluorescence Studies

School Name

Governor's School for Science & Mathematics

Grade Level

12th Grade

Presentation Topic

Microbiology

Presentation Type

Mentored

Mentor

Mentor: Peter Christie, McGovern Medical School - University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

Abstract

This study focuses on bacterial conjugation, and more specifically, explores the Type IV Secretion System and the proteins that make up this machine. The goal of this project is to characterize and localize specific proteins involved with the Type IV Secretion System and thus characterize and localize the machine itself. This is accomplished by modifying the KM101 plasmid that codes for the Type IV Secretion System coupled to a marker that codes for a fluorescent protein. When constructed, the fluorescent protein attaches to the protein of interest and is localized by fluorescence microscopy. Our results indicated that the machine was being created and functions normally with, and without, the presence of recipient cells. One interesting result is that there were multiple foci where the fluorescent proteins were located within a cell. This suggests that multiple machines were being created within a single cell. This study furthers knowledge of how cells transfer genetic material, and could be useful in fields such as medicine and disease prevention.

Location

Wall 224

Start Date

3-25-2017 11:00 AM

Presentation Format

Oral and Written

Group Project

No

COinS
 
Mar 25th, 11:00 AM

Characterization and Localization of TRAB and TRAJ Through Fluorescence Studies

Wall 224

This study focuses on bacterial conjugation, and more specifically, explores the Type IV Secretion System and the proteins that make up this machine. The goal of this project is to characterize and localize specific proteins involved with the Type IV Secretion System and thus characterize and localize the machine itself. This is accomplished by modifying the KM101 plasmid that codes for the Type IV Secretion System coupled to a marker that codes for a fluorescent protein. When constructed, the fluorescent protein attaches to the protein of interest and is localized by fluorescence microscopy. Our results indicated that the machine was being created and functions normally with, and without, the presence of recipient cells. One interesting result is that there were multiple foci where the fluorescent proteins were located within a cell. This suggests that multiple machines were being created within a single cell. This study furthers knowledge of how cells transfer genetic material, and could be useful in fields such as medicine and disease prevention.