We initially thought that two septate species of phage were present based off of this observation. Since we performed multiple rounds of purification to ensure a single species is present, we hypothesized that this occurred because of Babyboi’s temperate lifecycle. Since Babyboi has the ability to integrate within a host’s genome and remain dormant, infection can occur at different points in time.
Temperate phages need modification because they have the ability to undergo lysogeny. Bacteria infected with a lysogenic phage can still survive and reproduce. Modification removes this aspect of the phage so it can only lyse the host. This is important as the goal of a phage therapy treatment is to reduce levels of pathogenic bacteria in patients.
A PCR test would provide more substantial information about the genetic cluster of Babyboi. Restriction digests can only hint about the possible cluster of a phage. PCR provides more definitive evidence.
No it does not. Restriction Digest experiments don’t provide definitive cluttering information, it’s more of a hint. More conclusive clustering can be done with PCR or genomic analysis.
Great presentation! What could have caused the varying sizes of the plaques in your assay experiment?
We initially thought that two septate species of phage were present based off of this observation. Since we performed multiple rounds of purification to ensure a single species is present, we hypothesized that this occurred because of Babyboi’s temperate lifecycle. Since Babyboi has the ability to integrate within a host’s genome and remain dormant, infection can occur at different points in time.
Great job! Why do temperate phages need to be modified for phage therapy?
Temperate phages need modification because they have the ability to undergo lysogeny. Bacteria infected with a lysogenic phage can still survive and reproduce. Modification removes this aspect of the phage so it can only lyse the host. This is important as the goal of a phage therapy treatment is to reduce levels of pathogenic bacteria in patients.
I loved your presentation! What additional information could running a Phage cluster PCR on Babyboi provide?
A PCR test would provide more substantial information about the genetic cluster of Babyboi. Restriction digests can only hint about the possible cluster of a phage. PCR provides more definitive evidence.
The cuts were in a manner consistent with Cluster S phages but does that guarantee it is that cluster?
No it does not. Restriction Digest experiments don’t provide definitive cluttering information, it’s more of a hint. More conclusive clustering can be done with PCR or genomic analysis.
Great presentation! Did you choose the name of the bacteriophage if so what made you choose it.
We did choose it! We named it this when my lab partner called it babyboi one day and it stuck.