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Protein Analysis of Bacteriophages

Andrew Ramstead

Abstract

Mycobacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria of the genus Mycobacterium. These viruses are composed of a head and a tail that are made up of proteins. Many new Mycobacteriophages have been isolated from environmental soil and water samples collected in Montana in Montana Tech’s Outreach Phagedigging Program. Analysis of the phage proteins and other biochemical characterizations will allow comparison of the phages and shed light on the diversity of the population. SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis is a standard approach to analyze these proteins. SDS-Page requires highly concentrated samples of phage, and there are also many variables in gel electrophoresis that can affect its success. A protocol needed to be developed that allows for a high concentration of phage to be obtained and gel electrophoresis to be performed as consistently and cost efficiently as possible for various Mycobacteriophages. Differences and similarities between different phages can then be made by comparing the results of the electrophoresis.

Biography

I am a Junior, chemistry major from Bozeman, Montana. I graduated from Manhattan Christian High School in Churchill, Montana. My future plans are to graduate from Tech in 2008 and go on to graduate school to study the toxicology of venom.

I enjoy lab work and can often be seen working in the Pedulla lab when I am not attending classes. Some of my other interests are music, fishing, and golf. I am also in the Montana Tech Chess Club.

Andrew Ramstead

 

 

 

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