Introducing the Concept of Biocatalysis in the Classroom: The Conversion of Cholesterol to Provitamin D[subscript 3]

Autor/inn/en	De Luca, Belén M.; Nudel, Clara B.; Gonzalez, Rodrigo H.; Nusblat, Alejandro D.
Titel	Introducing the Concept of Biocatalysis in the Classroom: The Conversion of Cholesterol to Provitamin D[subscript 3]
Quelle	In: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education, 45 (2017) 2, S.105-114 (10 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Zusatzinformation	ORCID (Nusblat, Alejandro D.)
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	1470-8175
DOI	10.1002/bmb.20995
Schlagwörter	Biotechnology; Biochemistry; Nutrition; Metabolism; Scientific Concepts; Science Activities; Genetics; Undergraduate Students; Science Laboratories; Pharmacology + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Biotechnologie; Biochemie; Ernährung; Stoffwechsel; Humangenetik; Arzneikunde
Abstract	Biocatalysis is a fundamental concept in biotechnology. The topic integrates knowledge of several disciplines; therefore, it was included in the course "design and optimization of biological systems" which is offered in the biochemistry curricula. We selected the ciliate tetrahymena as an example of a eukaryotic system with potential for the biotransformation of sterol metabolites of industrial interest; in particular, we focused on the conversion of cholesterol to provitamin D[subscript 3]. The students work with wild type and recombinant strains and learn how sterol pathways could be modified to obtain diverse sterol moieties. During the course the students identify and measure the concentration of sterols. They also search for related genes by bioinformatic analysis. Additionally, the students compare biotransformation rates, growing the ciliate in plate and in a bioreactor. Finally, they use fluorescence microscopy to localize an enzyme involved in biotransformation. The last day each team makes an oral presentation, explaining the results obtained and responds to a series of key questions posed by the teachers, which determine the final mark. In our experience, this course enables undergraduate students to become acquainted with the principles of biocatalysis as well as with standard and modern techniques, through a simple and robust laboratory exercise, using a biological system for the conversion of valuable pharmaceutical moieties. (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2020/1/01