The Isolation and Characterization of Rhodobacter capsulatus Phages Lkye and Aqua
Major
Biology
Submission Type
Poster
Area of Study or Work
Biology
Expected Graduation Date
2025
Location
CNS Atrium, Easel 21
Start Date
4-9-2022 8:30 AM
End Date
4-9-2022 9:45 AM
Abstract
Bacteriophages, commonly referred to as phages, are viruses that infect bacteria for the purpose of reproduction and the expansion of their species. The Science Education Alliance-Phage Hunters Advancing Genomics and Evolutionary Science Program, acronymed SEA-PHAGES Program, aims to increase the knowledge of the bacteriophage population through isolation and characterization of individual bacteriophages. The two phages studied were procured from water samples using the bacterial host known as Rhodobacter capsulatus. The isolated phages were identified as RcLkye and RcAqua, or simply Lkye and Aqua. Lkye and Aqua were discovered from enriched samples of water collected along Bloomington-Normal’s Sugar Creek in Illinois. The samples were collected five days apart and in separate locations. The phages were then purified via plaque assay and amplified for further analysis. It was discovered through Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) imaging that Lkye and Aqua were both siphoviridae phages, with similar capsid diameters and tail lengths. Based on comparisons of the sequenced genomes and TEM images of phages with confirmed clusters, it has been determined that Aqua and Lkye belong to the RcD cluster. The discovery and analysis of unique phages provide advancements in the field of microbiology and virology while potentially providing insight into combating viral diseases and infections.
The Isolation and Characterization of Rhodobacter capsulatus Phages Lkye and Aqua
CNS Atrium, Easel 21
Bacteriophages, commonly referred to as phages, are viruses that infect bacteria for the purpose of reproduction and the expansion of their species. The Science Education Alliance-Phage Hunters Advancing Genomics and Evolutionary Science Program, acronymed SEA-PHAGES Program, aims to increase the knowledge of the bacteriophage population through isolation and characterization of individual bacteriophages. The two phages studied were procured from water samples using the bacterial host known as Rhodobacter capsulatus. The isolated phages were identified as RcLkye and RcAqua, or simply Lkye and Aqua. Lkye and Aqua were discovered from enriched samples of water collected along Bloomington-Normal’s Sugar Creek in Illinois. The samples were collected five days apart and in separate locations. The phages were then purified via plaque assay and amplified for further analysis. It was discovered through Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) imaging that Lkye and Aqua were both siphoviridae phages, with similar capsid diameters and tail lengths. Based on comparisons of the sequenced genomes and TEM images of phages with confirmed clusters, it has been determined that Aqua and Lkye belong to the RcD cluster. The discovery and analysis of unique phages provide advancements in the field of microbiology and virology while potentially providing insight into combating viral diseases and infections.