Biochemistry Research
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Biochemistry Research
Study of Enzyme Activity Using Sugar Substitutes
Student Researcher: Lindsey Weidlick
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Sandra Turchi
Streptococcus mutans is a bacterium that inhabits the oral cavity of humans and is a main contributor in tooth decay. Using only sucrose, Streptococcus mutans is able to produce a sticky dextran-based polysaccharide which permits the bacteria to cohere to one another, as well as the tooth enamel, forming plaque. Glycosyltransferase (Gtase) is an extracellular enzyme synthesized by S. mutans that allows for the synthesis of water-soluble, adherent glucans from sucrose. The S. mutans also metabolize sucrose and other sugars (glucose, fructose, lactose) and, as a result, produce lactic acid. This acid, combined with the formation of plaque, leads to the breakdown or destruction of tooth enamel. The dextran synthesized by S. mutans is most often a complex, branched glucan (polysaccharide made of many glucose molecules) composed of chains of varying length with α- 1,6 glycosidic linkages and branched α- 1,3 glycosidic linkages. There are two forms of dextrans: water-soluble and water- insoluble. This experiment is going to examine the effect of different sugar mediums on the growth of Streptococcus mutans. The ultimate goal is to isolate the enzyme glycosyltransferase, which is involved in the production of the sticky polysaccharides, from positive growth mediums of S. mutans and examine how this enzyme works using these compounds as a carbon source. This research experiment will allow me to gain better experience with specific laboratory procedures, learn how to work independently on a project and prepare myself for graduate school whether it is in the field of dentistry or biomedical research.
Improved Separation of Proteins Using Gel Permeation Chromatography
Student Researcher: Bryant James
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Sandra Turchi
This research will concentrate on the separation of several proteins using gel chromatography and gel electrophoresis. The protein will first be evaluated separately, to establish approximate elusion points, before being combined into a mixture of three or more proteins to be separated. This first step will also serve to establish the separation capacity of the GC column in use. The proteins will be analyzed to determine separation using several techniques including both UV and Visible light spectroscopy. The data will be used to modify and improve protein separation labs taught in college biochemistry courses.
Mg2+ levels and Inositides in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Student Researcher: Kyle Bomgardner
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Aimee L. Miller
A genetic relationship in S. cerevisiae yeast has been established between genes generating IP6 (IPK1) and regulating intracellular Mg2+ levels (ALR1). However, the functional connection between Mg2+ and IP6 is not understood. One possible explanation is that IP6 production somehow impacts Mg2+ levels in the cells. To test this concept, we will measure Mg2+ levels in S. cerevisiae using atomic absorption (AA). AA will be used to compare intracellular Mg2+ levels in yeast cells where IP6 is produced (wild type, IPK1) and those where it is not (ipk1Δ).
Developing Online Chemistry Resources for Student Learning
Student Researcher: Brandy Baltzell
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Aimee Miller
For students to effectively learn chemical principles and develop relevant problem-solving skills, independent work outside the classroom is critical. Yet many students would benefit from additional visual or oral guidance that would complement a static textbook. Our goal is to develop a set of electronic help tools covering basic chemistry topics that can be made available to students whenever they are studying. These might be animations, videos, or electronic explanations depending on the particular learning goals relevant for the material. For example, solving a sample problem that might be presented on the board in class can be captured electronically to allow students to review it online whenever and as often as they need.
A Molecular Approach to the Study of Plant DNA
Student Researcher: Matt Smith
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Sandra Turchi
Using techniques from molecular biology we will investigate a study of the pea genome using restriction nuclease mapping and plasmid amplification. DNA from yeast and pea leaves will be extracted and purified. The length of the DNA samples will be determined using agarose electrophoresis comparing the electrophoretic mobility of each unknown sample to six DNA molecules of known size. The DNA samples will be dissected using restriction endonucleases to help identify specific sites, sequences, and structures of the genome.
Mg2+ Transport and Inositides in Yeast
Student Researcher: Charlie Kang
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Aimee Miller
A genetic relationship in S. cerevisiae yeast has been established between genes generating IP6 (IPK1) and regulating intracellular Mg2+ levels (ALR1). Null mutations in these two genes are synthetically lethal. However the relationship between their functions is not known. The production of IP6 is also dependent on the function of Ipk2 and Plc1 proteins. We plan to combine the alr1D mutation with mutations in these genes to determine the synthetic lethality among these genes. Genetic interactions with all genes in the IP6 production pathway would indicate that IP6 somehow affects Alr1 function.
Wildtype Yeast Characterization
Student Researcher: Joe Puchalsky
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Aimee Miller
Our plans are to isolate and characterize a range of wildtype yeast strains from different sources or locations. We would like to initially evaluate phenotypical characteristics such as growth profiles, temperature sensitivity, and nutritional dependence. Then we hope to also do genotype analysis based on restriction fragment patterns or sequencing to look for potential correlations. Finally, we would also like to evaluate different strains for variations relevant to yeast usage for baking or brewing such as proofing times, sugar usages, or heat tolerance.
The Effect of an Atrazine on Protein Expression
Student Researcher: Gloriany Rivas
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Sandra Turchi
Atrazine is an organic compound widely used as an herbicide. Its use is controversial due to widespread contamination in drinking water and its associations with birth defects, menstrual problems, and cancer when consumed by humans at concentrations below government standards. The scientific literature implies it may also be a teratogenic agent. Laboratory studies will be conducted to detect the presence of atrazine in agricultural products grown in Lancaster County. Bacterial strains of E. coli will be exposed to varying concentrations of the pesticide. Protein extraction will be conducted and electrophoretic patterns determined and compared to control cultures. Differences in banding patterns generated by bacterial cultures exposed to increased exposure to atrazine will determine if further studies should be conducted on chick embryos.
