Bioluminescence and Ultraviolet Resistance

Overview

Objectives/Goals The objective of this experiment was to determine if LuxR genes that allow for bioluminescent properties would confer ultraviolet resistance in E. coli. This may suggest another function light emission has in luminescent organisms. Methods/Materials Utilizing plasmids containing bioluminescent LuxR genes, which are all of the genes required for light product ion in the bacteria Vibrio fisheri. E. coli was transformed into a bioluminescent bacteria. These bacteria were exposed to increasing minutes of ultraviolet light. Unexposed E. coli and untransformed E. coli were used as controls. The growth was quantified by calculating percent coverage of growth on culture media-containing Petri dishes. Growth rates were compared to determine if LuxR-containing E. coli were more resistant to ultraviolet radiation. Results The average percent decrease in growth compared to controls in all 3 trials were consistently higher in the non-transformed E. coli than the transformed LuxR bacteria. In all trials combined, the LuxR transformed E. coli had an average of 31.2% more growth than non-transformed E. coli after being exposed to UV light. Conclusions/Discussion In this experiment, evidence was generated that pVib bioluminescent plasmids confer resistance to ultraviolet light#s harmful effects on E. coli. The purpose of bioluminescence in terms of survival has been the subject of much discussion, as light emission requires 10% or more of the E. coli cell#s energy. In light of the experimental evidence, it seems plausible that bioluminescence provides energy to photolyase, allowing for nocturnal light dependant repair of DNA.

Competition history

• CSEF 2010 Microbiology · Entry S1706

Resources

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