What We Did
In this project we had to use what we learned in biology this year to solve a problem in out world. My grouped used the principles of the PCR lab to change the DNA of a plant so it can glow. This would fix the problem of energy because you would no longer need to rely n electricity since the light is being produced naturally by plants. Also the plants would be better for our environment because the will put oxygen back into our atmosphere.
Our Slideshow
Science Behind It
Business Plan
Content
- Luciferin/luciferase: A generic term for the class of oxidative enzymes that produce bioluminescence, and it is found in fireflies. We will use this protein to make the plant glow because it glows without UV light while pGlo only glows under UV light because it has to glow with out a UV light or it will defeat the purpose.
- Plasmid: A genetic structure in a cell that can replicate independently of the chromosomes, typically a small circular DNA strand in the cytoplasm of a bacterium. We will turn the luciferase DNA into a plasmid to put it into a bacteria better that will be applied to the plant making it glow.
- Agrobacterium: In the pGlo lab we used e.Coli bacteria to be the host to carry the pGlo gene and make the bacteria glow. For our procedure we will use agrobacterium as an alternate host. WE will use this bacteria to get into the cell via our gene gun transport plan, electroporation, or xylem transport techniques.
- Electroporation: The action or process of introducing DNA or chromosomes into bacteria or other cells using a pulse of electricity to briefly open the pores in the cell membranes so you can add in the new DNA.
- Xylem Transport: Solution (water and glowing medium) through xylem. The plant will absorb the solution resulting in a glowing plant. This is the least effective since it works for cut plants only which means at it will not last to long.
Reflection
One big challenge I had in this project was making my voice be heard because I was in a group full of people with great leadership skills, so I did not take as active as a leadership role. This showed me that I need to be more assertive when I am surrounded by brilliant, smart people. Other than that I had a blast working on this project, as my group consisted of many of my friends. We were all very comfortable around each other, which made for a fun relaxed work environment were no one was carrying all the weight. In this project I had a lot of fun coming up with the design of the product and working on the marketing aspect of coming up with a consumer good. Throughout this project I also learned more about how to genetically modify an organism to make it function the way you want it to. I never knew there were so many different way one could open the cell membrane so you could insert new DNA. One other challenge I working in this group was that since everyone was my friend, it was hard to stay on task.