KEVIN
Researching for a possible candidate of our response circuit
Mandy and I were assigned as partners and we were able to find a possible application of our signalling circuit involving the antifreeze proteins. There are variety of organisms that express Antifreeze proteins (AFPs), including fish (Arctic cod), bacteria (Pseudomonas putida), insects, and plants. Since we only work with bacteria, we attempted to find the most suitable antifreeze protein, and the antifreeze protein in Marinomonas primoryensis seemed to be most ideal.
Unlike other plant and bacterial antifreeze proteins, it is found to be hyperactive, meaning it is stable in low temperatures. Also, this antifreeze protein, like the one found in animals, utilizes a freeze-avoidant strategy which depresses the freezing point of the cell, while antifreeze proteins from other plants and bacteria utilize freeze-tolerant method, which does let the cell freeze, but it inhibits the growth of ice crystals; thus preventing the cell from damage.
|