Team:LMU-Munich/Bacillus Introduction

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==''Bacillus subtilis'' - a new chassis for iGEM==
==''Bacillus subtilis'' - a new chassis for iGEM==
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<p align="justify">We chose to work with ''Bacillus subtilis'' to set new horizons and offer tools for this model organism to the ''Escherichia coli''-dominated world of iGEM. To introduce ''B. subtilis'', we want to highlight some important aspects of this organism, which are listed in the table below.</p>
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<p align="justify">We chose to work with ''Bacillus subtilis'' to set new horizons in the ''Escherichia coli''-dominated world of iGEM by offering a set of tool for this gram-positive model organism to the . To introduce ''B. subtilis'', we first want to highlight some important aspects of this organism, which are listed in the table below.</p>
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<p align="justify"> In general, bacteria can be divided into two groups that differ in essential characteristics: gram-positive and gram-negative. Escherichia coli is a model organism for the gram-negative bacteria. A model organism for the gram-positive microorganisms is ''B. subtilis'', which we work with. The natural habitat of ''B. subtilis'' is soil, so it is forced to adapt to environmental changes. Hence B. subtilis is very complex. There are many differentiations and survival strategies that ''B. subtilis'' can engage (Fig. 1): Due to its natural competence, it can uptake DNA and integrate it into its genome. To be flexibel to the environment and move towards nutrients or avoid toxics, it is motile with the aid of its peritrich flagella. There is even cannibalism as one differentation form. If the conditions get too bad for living cells, ''B. subtilis'' can form spores. These are very stable vehicles where bacteria are resistant towards e.g. desiccation, UV-light, heat and pressure. If these spores sense better conditions they are able to germinate again.</p>
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<p align="justify"> In general, bacteria can be divided into two major groups that differ primarily differ in their cell envelope: gram-positive and gram-negative. ''E. coli'' is the model organism for the gram-negative bacteria. A model organism for the gram-positive bacteria is ''B. subtilis'', our favourite pet. The natural habitat of ''B. subtilis'' is the soil, so it is forced to adapt to numerous environmental changes. Accordingly, ''B. subtilis'' is characterized by quick and cunning reflexes and a complex life style. There are many differentiations and survival strategies that ''B. subtilis'' can engage (Fig. 1): Due to its natural competence, it can take up exogenous DNA and integrate it into its genome. To be flexibel to the environment and move towards nutrients or avoid toxic compounds, it is motile with the aid of its peritrichous flagella. If starved some cells even become cannibles that fees on their siblings. If the conditions get too bad for survival, ''B. subtilis'' can form endospores. These are very dormant and highly stable stages that are resistent against e.g. desiccation, UV light, heat and pressure. Once these spores encounter better conditions they are able to germinate again. See this [section] for Details.</p>

Revision as of 23:30, 26 September 2012

iGEM Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München Beadzillus

Bacillus in urban culture.jpg

The LMU-Munich team is exuberantly happy about the great success at the World Championship Jamboree in Boston. Our project Beadzillus finished 4th and won the prize for the "Best Wiki" (with Slovenia) and "Best New Application Project".

IGEM HQ LMU prize.jpg

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