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FINDING NEW
ENZYMES FROM MODIFIED TIM BARREL
The process of creating new enzymes that serve a specific function
has never been attempted before despite the techniques being available.
If enzymes with novel functions could be created, they could be
used as inexpensive biocatalyst in toxic waste disposal. I was involved
in finding new enzymes using whole cell assays, and to screen for
mutant catalytic activity. Working with bacteria cells new genes
would be inserted that would create modified enzymes from the TIM
barrel (The most common fold of enzymes with known structure, includes
enzymes from five of the six major enzyme classes). The bacteria
would then be tested for antibiotic resistance; hopefully the resistance
would be caused by the new enzyme being created by it. If any resistance
was shown then I would attempt to improve the antibiotic resistance
by mutating the DNA. The equipment primarily being used was the
Tecan Safire. This device would perform absorbance readings on bacteria
cultures and give me a precise count of the bacteria and whether
it was growing or not. This research is only a small part of a larger
picture to be able to create enzymes that would be able to degrade
toxic substances for future waste disposal.
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final presentation as PDF
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