CAA: An Investigation of Biophysical Variables and Metabolism in Wild Type and Mutant Sporangiophores of Phycomyces Blakesleeanus

主要研究者以前的研究已经推导，开发和建立了定量生物物理方程（包括生物物理变量），描述了Phycomerusblakesleeanus的大型圆柱形单细胞孢子囊的扩张性生长。目前的研究项目的目标是采用这些生物物理方程的识别和阐明的相关基因和相关的扩张生长特性的这些孢子囊之间的途径。该研究项目包括两个相关的研究。首先，将使用缺氧抑制氧化磷酸化来检查生物物理变量和代谢之间的关系。由于生物物理变量的大小和行为是由细胞通过代谢依赖性生物过程调节和控制的，因此确定生物物理变量与代谢之间的关系是至关重要的。第二，压力探针方法将用于确定已知的布莱克松孢囊载体突变株中生物物理变量的大小和行为。将获得的结果与先前获得的野生型孢子囊柄的结果进行比较。预计这种比较将确定生物物理变量负责特定突变株的异常生长特性。代谢对相关生物物理变量的影响将采用第一项研究中开发的方法进行调查。这些结果可以促进相关途径的识别，因为每个生物物理变量都与特定的生物活性和细胞器相关。更广泛的影响研究生和本科生将参与研究项目的各个方面。此外，PI和参与学生将与高中和初中学生在数学，工程和科学协会（梅萨）。每年，工程学院都会为全州的高中生和中学生举办一年一度的梅萨纪念活动。在生物工程实验室工作的研究生和本科生将帮助这些高中和初中学生完成他们的数学，科学和工程项目。此外，他们将协助PI评判科学竞赛和参观实验室图尔斯。

Previous research by the Principal Investigator has derived, developed, and established quantitative biophysical equations (with inclusive biophysical variables) that describe expansive growth of the large cylindrical single-celled sporangiophores of Phycomyces blakesleeanus. The objective of the current research project is to employ these biophysical equations in the identification and elucidation of pathways between relevant genes and associated expansive growth characteristics of these sporangiophores. The research project consists of two related studies. First, the relationship between the biophysical variables and metabolism will be examined using anoxia to inhibit oxidative phosphorylation. Because the magnitude and behavior of the biophysical variables are regulated and controlled by the cell via metabolically dependent biological processes, the determination of the relationship between the biophysical variables and metabolism is of paramount importance. Second, pressure probe methods will be used to determine the magnitude and behavior of the biophysical variables in known mutant strains of the sporangiophores of P. blakesleeanus. The obtained results will be compared to those previously obtained for wild type sporangiophores. It is anticipated that this comparison will identify the biophysical variables responsible for abnormal growth characteristics in specific mutant strains. The affect of metabolism on the relevant biophysical variables will be investigated with the methods developed in the first study. The results can facilitate the identification of relevant pathways because each biophysical variable is associated with specific biological activities and organelles. Broader impactsGraduate and undergraduate students will participate in all aspects of the research project. Also, the PI and participating students will work with high school and middle school students in the Mathematics, Engineering, and Science Association (MESA). Every year the College of Engineering hosts the annual MESA Jubilee for high school and middle school students throughout the state. The graduate and undergraduate students working in the Bioengineering Laboratory will assist these high school and middle school students with their math, science, and engineering projects. Also, they will assist the PI in judging science competitions and giving tours of the laboratories.