Genetic Control of Cell Chemistry Using Serratia marcescens

 

Elise Schmidt

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 1993, Volume 14

Abstract

This exercise allows students to investigate the genetic control of a biosynthetic pathway: the production of the red pigment prodigiosin by the bacterium Serratia marcescens. The students perform feeding trials with mutant strains to examine the genetic control of this biosynthetic pathway. Auxotrophic strains of the bacteria which are blocked at different places in the pathway exhibit different colors, the wild-type is a deep red color. Pairwise feeding trials enable the students to determine which strains are blocked at which point in the pathway. Students will then use an explanatory system to determine the pathway’s shape and learn about its genetic control.

Keywords:  microbiology, Serratia marcescens, biochemical pathways, genetic control

University of Nevada, Las Vegas (1992)