Tag: enzyme specificity

Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems, IR 1: Ecosystem Interactions (MS), IR 3: Ecosystem Stability (HS), IR 5: Survival (HS), Life Science, M&E 2: Anabolism/Catabolism (HS), M&E 2: Metabolism (MS), M&E 3: Cellular Respiration (HS), M&E 3: Food Webs (MS), M&E 4: Aerobic/Anaerobic Resp. (HS), M&E 4: Biogeochemical Cycles (MS), M&E 5: Matter/Energy Cycles (HS), M&E 6: Biogeochemical Cycles (HS), Matter & Energy in Organisms/Ecosystems, S&F 1: Cells (MS), S&F 1: DNA to Proteins (HS), S&F 4: Stimuli Response (MS), Structure and Function

Different Enzymes to Digest Different Plant Substrates

GwynneL.

The fungal cultivar of leaf-cutter ants produces specific enzymes in response to different plant substrates SUMMARY: Leaf-cutter ants and a fungus called Leucoagaricus gongylophorus have a symbiotic relationship. The ants harvest plant material for the fungus to “eat” and then the ants feed off of the gongylidia. These swollen parts of the hyphae are no… Continue reading Different Enzymes to Digest Different Plant Substrates

Chemical Reactions, CR 4: Driving Reactions (HS), Earth Science, Earth's System, ES 1: Materials/Energy Flow (MS), ES 4: Carbon Cycling (HS), Life Science, M&E 4: Biogeochemical Cycles (MS), M&E 5: Matter/Energy Cycles (HS), M&E 6: Biogeochemical Cycles (HS), Matter & Energy in Organisms/Ecosystems, Physical Science, S&F 1: Cells (MS), S&F 2: Cell Function (MS), Structure and Function

Field and lab conditions alter microbial enzyme and biomass dynamics

GwynneL.

Field and lab conditions alter microbial enzyme and biomass dynamics driving decomposition of the same leaf litter SUMMARY: This study looked at the rate of decay between litter in lab conditions and natural conditions. They used fallen leaves from dogwood trees, oak trees, maple trees, and maple-oak tree mix. Results showed quite a difference in… Continue reading Field and lab conditions alter microbial enzyme and biomass dynamics

Life Science, Matter & Energy in Organisms/Ecosystems, S&F 1: Cells (MS), S&F 2: Cell Function (MS), Structure and Function

Using Phytochemicals to Inhibit Efflux Pumps in Bacteria

GwynneL.

Inhibiting Bacterial Drug Efflux Pumps via Phyto-Therapeutics to Combat Threatening Antimicrobial Resistance SUMMARY: Many plants produce chemicals that kill bacteria or prevent their growth. This article looks at how the plant chemicals affect efflux pumps. The first and second sections explain what efflux pumps are and describes the many roles they play in bacteria cells,… Continue reading Using Phytochemicals to Inhibit Efflux Pumps in Bacteria

Life Science, Physical Science, S&P 4: Molecule Traits (HS), Structure & Properties of Matter, Structure and Function

Engineering a Better Enzyme to Degrade PET Plastic

GwynneL.

Characterization and engineering of a plastic-degrading aromatic polyesterase SUMMARY: There is a bacterium that makes PETase (an enzyme that can digest PET plastic). Researchers in this paper took this PETase enzyme, modified it slightly, and made it better. The modifications aded in sections that were commonly seen in other enzymes such as cutinases and lipases;… Continue reading Engineering a Better Enzyme to Degrade PET Plastic