Mar 29, 2024  
Catalogue 2022-2023 
    
Catalogue 2022-2023 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Add to Portfolio (opens a new window)

BIOC 393 - Special Topics in Biochemistry

Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
0.5 to 1 unit(s)
A variety of current and timely topics in biochemistry is considered in these intensive mentored experiences. Each of these involve close mentored work in small groups of students around a key topic in biochemistry. Topics, formats, and instructors vary each semester. 

(a) Gene Deletions in B. theta. The human gut microbiota is required for degradation of otherwise undigestible dietary polysaccharides, often known as fiber. The Bacteroidetes are prominent contributors to polysaccharide degradation in the gut and the model organism for understanding this process is the bacteria Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron (B. theta). All polysaccharides enter B. theta through TonB-dependent transporters. This transport is energized via pairing to a protein complex made up of the proteins TonB, ExbB, and ExbD. Five ExbB and eight ExbD homologs have been identified in the B. theta genome; however, it is currently unknown which are important for polysaccharide degradation. In this project we pair bioinformatic analysis of these proteins with construction of genetic deletions and mutations in B. theta. Each student is assigned 1-2 proteins to delete from the B. theta genome using molecular genetics and microbiology techniques. Each student also compares these protein sequences to characterized ExbB/D proteins from other bacteria using protein sequence alignments and predicted protein structures to form a summary of our current understanding of each protein. Rebecca Pollet.

One 4-hour period.

Course Format: INT



Add to Portfolio (opens a new window)