Team:Cambridge/Modelling
From 2009.igem.org
Categories :
Project :
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Overview
Sensitivity Tuner
--- Characterisation
--- Modelling
Colour Generators
--- Carotenoids (Orange/Red)
--- Melanin (Brown)
--- Violacein (Purple/Green)
The Future
Safety
Notebook :
Team Logistics :
Modelling
Introduction
This project focuses on novel outputs, for example, for environmental sensors. However, there is a need for an 'adaptor'; a middle section to the machine that takes an input and processes it. Our initial work was based around the development of an amplifier that permits a large output that is clearly visible. The next planned stage was the creation of a system that allows switching on of output at different calibrated input signal levels. Creating a model allows the feasibility of the proposed systems to be tested. A basic model of the original amplifier system was put forward, building on both our data and the Cambridge 2007 data.
Modelling the phage activator system
This is the basic 'amplifier' system that consists of an input sensitive promoter system and a protein activator and sensitive promoter. It can therefore be divided into two boxes, the approach taken in putting forward an initial model.
The pBAD promoter
An arabinose input acts as an inducer, permitting transcription, by binding the AraC transcription factor. This is a dual transcription factor; when unbound to arabinose a dimer restricts access of polymersase to reduce basal levels of transcription, upon binding arabinose the conformation changes and the dimer permits binding of polymerase. [1]