"
Team:Glasgow/Project/Measurements
From 2014.igem.org
Revision as of 19:53, 2 October 2014 by Lowlight42 (Talk | contribs)
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
click here to edit this page
We decided to utilise the optical properties of the gas vesicles – they are known to scatter light. We devised an experimental set up that would light up and image the cells in suspension. When the cells float, their distribution in the fluid will change, thus changing the proportion of light that gets through at a given height. By tracking these changes over time, we would gain information on the speed of floatation, and perhaps how the cells distribute themselves – we should be able to see any clumping or filament formation.
Floating Cells Measurement System
In order to characterise the floatation behavior of gas vesicle-filled E.coli, and confirm and/or revise the existing model, we would have to make some measurements. The preparation for this began before the gas vesicles were produced in the lab, so that when they were made, the characterisation process would be more efficient.We decided to utilise the optical properties of the gas vesicles – they are known to scatter light. We devised an experimental set up that would light up and image the cells in suspension. When the cells float, their distribution in the fluid will change, thus changing the proportion of light that gets through at a given height. By tracking these changes over time, we would gain information on the speed of floatation, and perhaps how the cells distribute themselves – we should be able to see any clumping or filament formation.
