Team:Lethbridge/Project/DNA Degradation
From 2010.igem.org
Liszabruder (Talk | contribs) |
Liszabruder (Talk | contribs) |
||
Line 137: | Line 137: | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
- | In <html><a href="http://parts.mit.edu/igem07/index.php/Berkeley_UC" target="new"><font color="green"> 2007, UC Berkeley</font></a></html> submitted a BioBrick containing an inducible BamHI gene. When expressed, this gene will produce the restriction endonuclease. This enzyme will then chew up the genomic material of the cell. The <html><a href="http://parts.mit.edu/igem07/index.php/BerkiGEM2007Present5" target="new"><font color="green">2007 UC Berkeley team characterized | + | In <html><a href="http://parts.mit.edu/igem07/index.php/Berkeley_UC" target="new"><font color="green"> 2007, UC Berkeley</font></a></html> submitted a BioBrick containing an inducible BamHI gene. When expressed, this gene will produce the restriction endonuclease. This enzyme will then chew up the genomic material of the cell. The <html><a href="http://parts.mit.edu/igem07/index.php/BerkiGEM2007Present5" target="new"><font color="green">2007 UC Berkeley team characterized the gene</font></a></html>, when expressed, will not affect the function of already translated protein. They did this by showing that red florescent protein (RFP) remains functional after the expression of this “suicide gene”. When a bacterial cell replicates, it must first replicate its genome. If we express the “suicide gene” it will essentially render the cell into a sack of functioning proteins. By degrading the DNA of the organism, we reduce the risk of genetic propagation since there is no template to replicate from. A public concern regarding applying a genetically engineered system into the real world is the risk it may have of escaping into the environment. A treatment plant would act as a mediator between the organism and the environment. Of course aseptic techniques would be followed. The “suicide gene” can be used as an additional <html><a href="https://2010.igem.org/Team:Lethbridge/Safety"><font color="green"> safety precaution</font></a></html>. If an organism somehow found its way into the environment (however unlikely this may be), it would not be able to propagate since it lacks DNA. Therefore, this would allow better regulation of the microorganism. |
<br> | <br> | ||
<br> | <br> |