Module 6: Containment

Description | Design | Construction | Characterisation | Modelling | Results | Conclusions

Modelling

Aim

For our containment module, we’ve created a model that shows how widespread the activity of nuclease would be given a certain colony. This would allow predictions to be made on how large a cell colony will be required to generate a halo diameter (indicating a DNA-free zone where the nuclease has digested the DNA in the agar) of desired size.

Methods

From the DNase agar test, the colony diameter (m), halo diameter (m), and absorbance at 600 OD were measured. From the absorbance values, we work out the cell concentration in cell per litres. This is done using a [http://www.genomics.agilent.com/CalculatorPopupWindow.aspx?CalID=7 third party calculator generated by Aligent Technologies].

By assuming that the whole colonies are in some sort of cylindrical form, we can calculate their total volume using the colony diameter that is measured. The following figure depicts this.