30th Annual Student Research Conference
Characterization of yozG Gene in Bacillus subtilis
Erin I. Hayes
Dr. Joyce Patrick, Faculty Mentor
Bacillus subtilis is a model Gram-positive bacterium. The wild type strain is capable of three major states: swarming, swimming, and biofilm. However, many well studied laboratory strains are deficient in both swarming and biofilm production. My goal is to determine the function of yozG in the wild type strain. Mutants of this gene, which is thought to be a transcriptional regulator, are deficient in swarming but robust in biofilm formation. Determining the exact effects of this mutation may help to reveal the mechanisms behind swarming deficiency in laboratory strains of B. subtilis. My project involves characterizing the phenotype of the yozG mutant and genetically complementing the mutant to see if swarming ability can be restored. We have measured the swarming capability of yozG mutants compared to the wild type. Currently we are in the process of creating a complement.
Keywords: Bacillus subtilis, bacteria, swarming, biofilm, genetic complementation, swarm assay, gene characterization
Topic(s):Biology
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 6-
Location: GEO - SUB
Time: