Department
Biological Sciences
Major
Biological Sciences and Chemistry
Research Advisor
Westenberg, David
Advisor's Department
Biological Sciences
Funding Source
MS& T Department of Biological Sciences, MS&T Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, MS&T Materials Research Center, MS&T Center for Environmental Science and Technology, Missouri S&T Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experiences (OURE) Program, JE Dunn Construction, Morpholgoynet, Dr. Chang-Sao Kim, MidSci Scientific, Monsanto Corporation, Pizza Inn of Rolla
Abstract
The goal of this research is the manipulation of yeast cells, granting them the capability of measuring the concentration of ethanol present. This project utilizes the metabolic pathways of the yeast Pichia pastoris, which are capable of metabolizing ethanol and methanol. The enzyme, alcohol oxidase (AO), encoded in the AOX gene appears to be the major enzyme involved in methanol metabolism. If both carbon sources are present, however, P. pastoris prefers to utilize ethanol first. Fusing the AOX promoter with a fluorescent protein gene will allow visible detection of the expression of AOX. In supplying the yeast with ethanol and methanol simultaneously, the cells should produce the fluorescent protein upon ethanol consumption, resulting in a visible color and fluorescent light. The concentration of ethanol can be determined by measuring the time before fluorescence and in doing so, will make plausible the development of a breathalyzer device and additional sensor systems.
Biography
Cory is a senior majoring in biological sciences and chemistry at Missouri S& T. He is actively involved in various organizations to include Helix, Scrubs, Phi Sigma, and V. 0.1. Presently, his interests are reading, participating in research projects and socializing with friends. Cory's future plans after undergraduate school are to attend medical school.
Research Category
Natural Sciences
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Document Type
Presentation
Location
Havener Center, Turner Room
Presentation Date
9 April 2008, 9:00 am - 9:30 am
Constructing a Biological Breathalyzer
Havener Center, Turner Room
The goal of this research is the manipulation of yeast cells, granting them the capability of measuring the concentration of ethanol present. This project utilizes the metabolic pathways of the yeast Pichia pastoris, which are capable of metabolizing ethanol and methanol. The enzyme, alcohol oxidase (AO), encoded in the AOX gene appears to be the major enzyme involved in methanol metabolism. If both carbon sources are present, however, P. pastoris prefers to utilize ethanol first. Fusing the AOX promoter with a fluorescent protein gene will allow visible detection of the expression of AOX. In supplying the yeast with ethanol and methanol simultaneously, the cells should produce the fluorescent protein upon ethanol consumption, resulting in a visible color and fluorescent light. The concentration of ethanol can be determined by measuring the time before fluorescence and in doing so, will make plausible the development of a breathalyzer device and additional sensor systems.
