Department
Biological Sciences
Major
Biological Sciences
Research Advisor
Westenberg, David
Shannon, Katie
Advisor's Department
Biological Sciences
Second Advisor's Department
Chemical and Biochemical Engineering
Funding Source
Biological Sciences and Chemical Engineering
Abstract
The aim of this research is the construction of a biological breathalyzer through the culturing of yeast cells that can be used to measure concentrations of ethanol. The project makes use of the metabolic pathways of species of the Pichia taxa that are able to metabolize both ethanol and methanol. The yeast prefers to metabolize ethanol when both methanol and ethanol are present and will therefore consume ethanol before methanol. The AO enzyme, from the AOX gene, appears to be the first enzyme produced by the metabolism of methanol. The AOX gene will not be expressed in the cell when ethanol is present since ethanol is being metabolized rather than methanol. Fusing the AOX gene promoter with the DNA sequence to a fluorescent protein will allow the expression of the AOX gene, and therefore the metabolism of methanol, to be visually detected. In supplying the yeast cells with ethanol and methanol simultaneously, the cells will produce the fluorescent protein once the ethanol is utilized. This will result in a visible fluorescent light. The concentration of ethanol can be determined by measuring the time before the fluorescent light is emitted. Determining the concentration of ethanol present will make plausible the construction of a breathalyzer device to detect the blood alcohol level in an individual and could lead to the development of additional sensor systems to detect the presence and concentration of solvents. The AOX gene promoter was cloned and the linking of the promoter to the red fluorescent protein gene is in progress.
Biography
Herman Armstrong, a native of St. Louis, is a senior in Biological Sciences graduating in May 2008. He really enjoys campus involvement and helping people. He spent a year as a dormitory resident assistant, and currently works for Missouri S&T police as a campus service officer. He is a member of the Missouri S& T Black Man's Think Tank, where he previously served as treasurer. In his spare time, he mentors youth through the Rolla Mentoring Makes a Difference Program. He plans to pursue a career in medicine.
Research Category
Natural Sciences
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Document Type
Poster
Location
Havener Center, Upper Atrium/Hallway
Presentation Date
9 Apr 2008, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Synthesis of a Biological Breathalyzer
Havener Center, Upper Atrium/Hallway
The aim of this research is the construction of a biological breathalyzer through the culturing of yeast cells that can be used to measure concentrations of ethanol. The project makes use of the metabolic pathways of species of the Pichia taxa that are able to metabolize both ethanol and methanol. The yeast prefers to metabolize ethanol when both methanol and ethanol are present and will therefore consume ethanol before methanol. The AO enzyme, from the AOX gene, appears to be the first enzyme produced by the metabolism of methanol. The AOX gene will not be expressed in the cell when ethanol is present since ethanol is being metabolized rather than methanol. Fusing the AOX gene promoter with the DNA sequence to a fluorescent protein will allow the expression of the AOX gene, and therefore the metabolism of methanol, to be visually detected. In supplying the yeast cells with ethanol and methanol simultaneously, the cells will produce the fluorescent protein once the ethanol is utilized. This will result in a visible fluorescent light. The concentration of ethanol can be determined by measuring the time before the fluorescent light is emitted. Determining the concentration of ethanol present will make plausible the construction of a breathalyzer device to detect the blood alcohol level in an individual and could lead to the development of additional sensor systems to detect the presence and concentration of solvents. The AOX gene promoter was cloned and the linking of the promoter to the red fluorescent protein gene is in progress.
