Contribution
For us, participation in the iGEM synthetic biology competition represents an exciting and meaningful scientific endeavor. One of our primary objectives is to make significant contributions not only to the realm of scientific knowledge but also to improve the quality of everyday life. As such, we are dedicated to addressing the issue of bioerosion affecting marble monuments due to the activities of microorganisms.
Traditionally, bioerosion has been managed through the application of chemical biocides, which regrettably have adverse consequences on human health, the structural integrity of marble, and the environment. Our ambition is to leverage the capabilities of synthetic biology to replace these chemical biocides with biologically derived alternatives that are environmentally friendly and sustainable.
We envision our innovation as a potentially viable and practical solution that can extend beyond the confines of the iGEM competition, laying the groundwork for further development and implementation. In essence, we aspire to create an invention that not only serves a pressing need but also aligns with the principles of ecological responsibility.
In a broader context, our ultimate aspiration is to contribute meaningfully to the preservation of the cultural heritage of every nation across the globe. This year, our project focuses on the development of a non-invasive intervention method aimed at removing microorganisms that accumulate on marble surfaces, offering a gentle yet effective approach to maintaining the integrity of these historic monuments.
More specifically, within the context of synthetic biology regarding our project, we begin with the organism that harbors the T7 system, the T7 system is a widely used genetic expression system in biology, and T7 RNA polymerase (T7 RNA polymerase) is a part of this system. This system is primarily used for producing large quantities of RNA under laboratory conditions. It is particularly useful for synthesizing RNA required in various applications, such as generating reference RNA for gene expression analysis and producing RNA used in various molecular biology assays.
T7 RNA polymerase is a specialized type of RNA polymerase, meaning it can synthesize RNA from a DNA template. The basic step in using T7 RNA polymerase is to prepare a DNA template containing the sequence of the desired RNA and then add this template to a corresponding reaction containing T7 RNA polymerase, as well as the necessary components for RNA synthesis.
T7 RNA polymerase has the ability to produce RNA with high precision at the molecular level, making the T7 system a reliable tool for RNA production under laboratory conditions. This RNA can be used in various applications, including gene expression analysis, gene function studies, and molecular biology experiments in general.
Overall, the T7 system controlled by T7 RNA polymerase is a powerful tool for expressing toxic and challenging proteins in biological research and biotechnology. There are various reasons why this system is useful for controlling these proteins, as in our project:
1. Overproduction: Toxic or more difficult-to-produce proteins can be challenging to produce in large quantities with other genetic expression systems. The T7 system allows for sufficient production of these proteins.
2. High Precision: The T7 system produces RNA with high accuracy and yield, allowing for precise expression of the protein of interest.
3. Selectivity: The T7 system allows for selective protein expression, as you can design the DNA template containing the sequence of the desired protein.
