Characterization of Rhodobacter Capsulatus, Bacteriophages Using Transmission Electron Microscopy
Submission Type
Event
Expected Graduation Date
2016
Location
Center for Natural Sciences, Illinois Wesleyan University
Start Date
4-18-2015 9:00 AM
End Date
4-18-2015 10:00 AM
Disciplines
Biology
Abstract
Bacteriophages are viruses that infect specific bacterial hosts in order to grow and replicate. Because bacteriophages are miniscule in size, it is not possible to obtain images of the structural features using light microscopy. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is a useful technique to view images with higher resolution and magnification using electrons to illuminate the subject. This technique allows for clear visualization of bacteriophage structural features, including the head, capsid, and tail. Bacteriophages isolated from infections of the bacterial host Rhodobacter capsulatus, which include RcTitan, RcOceanus, RcSpartan, RcRhea, RcSaxon, and RcCronus, were examined. In order to obtain contrast, new lysates of each phage were placed on a formvar coated 200-mesh grid and stained with uranyl acetate. The negative stain from uranyl acetate allowed for high contrast, as the background is stained, while the phage is not and thus visible. Bacteriophage morphology, such as head sizes and tail lengths, will be presented in this poster.
Characterization of Rhodobacter Capsulatus, Bacteriophages Using Transmission Electron Microscopy
Center for Natural Sciences, Illinois Wesleyan University
Bacteriophages are viruses that infect specific bacterial hosts in order to grow and replicate. Because bacteriophages are miniscule in size, it is not possible to obtain images of the structural features using light microscopy. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is a useful technique to view images with higher resolution and magnification using electrons to illuminate the subject. This technique allows for clear visualization of bacteriophage structural features, including the head, capsid, and tail. Bacteriophages isolated from infections of the bacterial host Rhodobacter capsulatus, which include RcTitan, RcOceanus, RcSpartan, RcRhea, RcSaxon, and RcCronus, were examined. In order to obtain contrast, new lysates of each phage were placed on a formvar coated 200-mesh grid and stained with uranyl acetate. The negative stain from uranyl acetate allowed for high contrast, as the background is stained, while the phage is not and thus visible. Bacteriophage morphology, such as head sizes and tail lengths, will be presented in this poster.