Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Spring 2015

Abstract

Bacteriophages, also known as phages, are viruses that are ubiquitous and survive and replicate within the host of the bacterial cell, Mycobacterium smegmatis. They are considered one of the most abundant organisms on earth (1031). Structurally, they are 100-200nm in size and consist of a protein encapsulated head that contains DNA or RNA, a tail sheath and tail fibers. This research consisted of examining phage infection, by re-isolating a novel phage, Tango. Tango was originally isolated genetically in 2013 by a previous ISBT student, Anna Maccarrone. The phage was sent to genetic sequencing but two phages were discovered, instead of one, in clusters B and C. The genetic annotation was not able to be analyzed due to phage mutation and impurity. During spring 2015, this phage was re-visited following laboratory protocol specific to this experiment as well as incorporating my own ideas with the goal of re-isolating, purifying and extracting the genetic material using DNASE I and RNASE A. Genetic material extraction would also include electrophoresis, as well as spectrophotometric studies and future DNA sequencing.

Download

Share

COinS