Arsenic Biosensor

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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 http://2006.igem.org/Arsenic_Biosensor_Background 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.

File:Ars operon.jpg

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.

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Past/present/future years