Arsenic Biosensor
From 2006.igem.org
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This project is motivated by the needs of parts of the developing world. For details, see [[http://2006.igem.org/Arsenic_Biosensor_Background Background]] | This project is motivated by the needs of parts of the developing world. For details, see [[http://2006.igem.org/Arsenic_Biosensor_Background Background]] | ||
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| + | == Possible mechanisms == | ||
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| + | INPUT [Arsenate/Arsenite] Detector Reporter OUTPUT [H+] | ||
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| + | The arsR gene codes for a repressor which binds to the arsenic promoter in the absence of arsenate or arsenite. These two genes can be linked to the lacZ gene, in order to place lactose metabolism under the control of an arsenic activated promoter. | ||
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| + | [[Image:ars_operon.jpg]] | ||
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| + | The ability to metabolise lactose should result in the acidification of the medium, and an output of H+ ions, giving a pH response to the input of arsenate/arsenite molecules. | ||
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| + | == Result == | ||
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| + | It should be possible to obtain a curve for pH vs. arsenic concentration, where a range of pH values representing an unsafe level, a safe level, or an intermediate level of arsenic is present can be elucidated after calibrating the biosensor with known concentrations of arsenic. | ||
Revision as of 16:27, 29 June 2006
This is our first formalised project idea. The details are as follows:
Contents |
Aim
Develop a bacterial biosensor that responds to a range of arsenic concentrations and produces a change in pH that can be calibrated in relation with the arsenic concentration.
Background
This project is motivated by the needs of parts of the developing world. For details, see [Background]
Possible mechanisms
INPUT [Arsenate/Arsenite] Detector Reporter OUTPUT [H+]
The arsR gene codes for a repressor which binds to the arsenic promoter in the absence of arsenate or arsenite. These two genes can be linked to the lacZ gene, in order to place lactose metabolism under the control of an arsenic activated promoter.
The ability to metabolise lactose should result in the acidification of the medium, and an output of H+ ions, giving a pH response to the input of arsenate/arsenite molecules.
Result
It should be possible to obtain a curve for pH vs. arsenic concentration, where a range of pH values representing an unsafe level, a safe level, or an intermediate level of arsenic is present can be elucidated after calibrating the biosensor with known concentrations of arsenic.
