In this two-day lab, you will work with genetically modified E. coli to produce beta-carotene and lycopene, key plant pigments and antioxidants found in carrots and tomatoes. Using the plasmids pAC-LYC and pAC-BETA, which encode the pathways for lycopene and beta-carotene production, your goal will be to optimize the production of these two pigments. This lab explores bioproduction, using biological systems—such as microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, fungi, algae) or plant and animal cells—to produce valuable compounds or materials. Bioproduction plays a critical role in various fields, including industrial biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and food production, enabling the creation of proteins, enzymes, antibiotics, biofuels, and more.
Understand the fundamentals of bioproduction and its applications in biotechnology.
Explore metabolic engineering by modifying environmental factors to optimize pigment production.
Gain hands-on experience with genetically modified E. coli to produce beta-carotene and lycopene.
Learn to analyze optical density (OD600) and peak absorbance to assess bacterial growth and compound production.
Develop proficiency in preparing and handling bacterial cultures, plasmid systems, and spectrophotometric analysis.
Understand the role of metabolic competition and strategies to balance growth and production.
