Faculty Advisor: Anna McLoon
Course: Microbiology, BIOL 320
Abstract:
“Bacterial chemical signaling is a field of microbiology that is not extensively developed. Two microbes of interest were found in soil collected from the Thompson trail on Siena campus and were labeled as unknown 116 and 117. After genetic sequencing, unknown 117 was discovered to be related to Lysinibacillus fusiformis while unknown 116 was only identified down to the genus of Paenibacillus. They were then observed and tested during general lab procedures where they were never plated with each other. Once plated together they chemically signaled to one another which produced a red pigment. After testing different living conditions for these microbes, we hypothesize that the microbes’ chemical signaling will be most active when they are plated on a starch plate at 30℃. We also hypothesize that the reaction is not limited to these two bacteria and if plated with other bacteria, they will produce a response similar to the one observed. Further research will include using the MALDI to identify the chemicals produced and identify if they are known antibiotics. This study will develop an understanding of the bacterial ability to produce pigment as well as better define and understand 116 as a species.”
Location: MAC, Table # 22