BIO 220 INSTRUCTORS OUTLINE

Bioremediation Definition Advantages Examples: Hydrocarbon Transformation Use hydrocarbon as high energy electron donor Aromatic, aliphatic compounds Role of Monoxygenase, Dioxygenase Reductive Dechlorination Use of chlorinated compounds as electron acceptors Aromatic, aliphatic compounds Mercury Reduction Broad spectrum resistance (organic + inorganic) Narrow spectrum resistance (inorganic) Mer Operon Mer P (periplasmic binding protein) Mer T (transmembrane transporter) Mer A (Mercuric Reductase) NADH acts as coenzyme for Mer A Mer Operon regulated by Mer R (repressor/activator) Selenium Detoxification SeO42- -> Se0 Use of selenium as electron acceptor Uranium Detoxification Electrons used to charge graphite rod Naturally occurring organisms use charged rod as source of electrons Electrons are added to U6+ reducing it to U4+. Acetate injected into sediments stimulates growth (carbon source)

Genetic Engineering and Bioremediation Advantages Avoid habitat limitations Avoid growth restrictions Modify substrate specificity Pathway modification Toxicity assessment

Biopolymers polyhydroxyvalerate + polyhydroxybutyrate Oxidized by uv light