Microbial Population Dynamics During Composting

Overview

Objectives/Goals To observe the change in bacteria species in a compost heap exposed to genetically engineered corn over a period of time. Methods/Materials I extracted DNA from a compost heap and amplified the 16S rRNA gene for actinomycetes and bacteria. After a series of gel electrophoresis experiments, DNA purifications, amplifications with the PCR machine, and picking bacterial colonies, I sequenced ten samples of bacteria from two different time periods. The sequences were logged into the computer and the NCBI was able to idntify the different species. Results Out of ten colonies being sequenced, each colony was a different species, showing incredible species diversity in this compost heap. Conclusions/Discussion I identified species of bacteria in a compost heap at different time periods. The species were not identical, but to see if they really evolved (my next year's science project), I am going to test for ampicillin resistance. If bacteria can evolve like this in the presence of genetically engineered corn, there is a chance that plants may develop pesticides resistance.

Competition history

• CSEF 2003 Microbiology · Entry S1313

Resources

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