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.
Recommended Citation
Riddick, Tanya L., "Examining Phage Infection Utilizing Mycobacterium Smegmatis" (2015). Undergraduate Research. 9.
https://digitalcommons.lasalle.edu/undergraduateresearch/9
Included in
Bacteria Commons, Biology Commons, Biotechnology Commons, Cell Biology Commons, Laboratory and Basic Science Research Commons, Viruses Commons