Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects
Department
Biology
Document Type
Thesis
Abstract
Mutations in the highly conserved zinc-binding domain of the β’ subunit of E.coli RNA polymerase prevent the growth of phage that use a unique RNA-based mechanism of transcription antitermination. Here, we describe the isolation and characterization of a mutant phage that overcomes this block. The genome of the mutant only differs from the parental phage by 2 nucleotides. Close inspection of the sequences surrounding the mutation suggested that a new promoter had been created. This was confirmed by cloning the potential promoter sequences into a promoter probe expression vector. We hypothesize that the new promoter permits the expression of phage genes that are essential for growth on the mutant bacterial host.
Advisor(s) or Committee Chair
Dr. Rodney King
Disciplines
Biology
Recommended Citation
Baugh, Kimberly, "Characterization of a Mutant Bacteriophage that Overcomes An Antitermination Defect in E. coli RNA" (2014). Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects. Paper 452.
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/452