Characterization of the endoplasmic reticulum morphogenic mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana, GFP-CXN
Two lines of Arabidopsis thaliana are studied in Dr Breeze’s lab. One is GFP-HDEL which is a control line of Arabidopsis, whilst the other is GFP-CXN a genetically modified line that overexpresses a domain of chaperone protein called calnexin in its endoplasmic reticulum (ER). This causes GFP-CXN to have a highly interconnected network of flattened, membrane-enclosed sacs in its ER known as cisternae. The cisternae have a crucial role in the modification of proteins. It has been suggested in previous studies that whilst challenging the lines with the plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae DC3000 the GFP-CXN line has been less susceptible to infection than the control potentially due to the ER’s highly cisternal morphology. However, to support this hypothesis further characterization of GFP-CXN is required.• The aim of my project was to further characterize the GFP-CXN line by investigating chloroplast efficiency/function during infection by measuring Fv/Fm, image ER morphology in a confocal microscope, compare bacterial susceptibility by completing a bacterial growth assay and investigate physiology by measuring and comparing root elongation rate with the control.
Chemical Stability of Anodes for Oxygen Evolution Reactions
The aim of this project is to evaluate the chemical stability of OER electrodes by understanding the effects of different variables. Two different substrates, namely, hematite and titanium were tested. A ruthenium electrocatalyst was deposited onto both surfaces, which were studied in different electrolytes to realize the optimal pH for their performance. Additionally, the effect of a varied overpotential was determined.
Catherine Hutton's Travel Diary: A Transcription Project
This URSS project guided by Professor Mark Philp, is the transcription and digitisation of this 1779 travel diary that Catherine Hutton wrote at the age of 23, in which she describes her experience of staying and interacting with various extended family members and friends while travelling around the Derbyshire area.
Pilot-study: Investigating Viral Diversity in Springs Waters Across Britain
Limitations of SpinW for researching Gadolinum gallium garnet (GGG)
Synthesis and Characterization of Cationic Polymers for Antimicrobial Application
The wide use of antibiotics as well as the delayed usage regulations has led to the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) worldwide. Promising antibacterial agents to overcome AMR are synthetic antimicrobial polymers, which mimic the activity of natural antimicrobial peptides. These polymers are built on a balance of cationic and hydrophobic properties, and disrupt the bacterial membrane, and lead to cell death.
The Effect of Storage and Transportation Conditions on the Performance of RT-PCR for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2
During the pandemic, millions of samples were taken from the household to the laboratory to undergo RT-PCR test to detect the SARS-Cov-2 following the government requirements for different reasons in the United Kingdom. It is believed that accurate RT-PCR results contribute to better policy decisions regarding public health while minimizing the impact on society. However, the action of household sampling and delivery by post could cause a series of potential problems which impact the sensitivity and specificity of the RT-PCR and result widely impacts from infection control to policy deciding,
Using the Hartree-fock dispersion (HFDHE2) potential
Investigating the localization of pin mRNA in stage I zebrafish oocytes using in-situ hybridization analysis
In zebrafish, germline specification is dependent on the inheritanceand localisation of the germplasm, a host of maternally derived RNAbinding proteins and mRNAs [1]. The germ plasm is found in a membrane-free structure named the Balbiani body, which is present in the oocytes [1]. One of thecomponents of the germ plasm is Tdrd6a, which is key for the germplasm organization [2]. Here, I have studied the localisation of a novelTdrd6a interactor mRNA, named pinchado (pin). pin is a novel gene which has not been characterised and the Sampath lab is currently investigating if it has a role in oogenesis. Consequently, in my project I have characterised the localization ofpin in stage I oocytes as well the expression of pin and the Balbiani body marker dazl in pin∆4bp protein and pin∆TSS transcript null mutants.
Development of skin characterisation techniques using terahertz (THz) reflection spectroscopy
The use of terahertz (1THz = 1012Hz) waves, broadly deﬁned as EM waves in the 0.1-10THz frequency range [1], in medical diagnosis is a rapidly developing area due to the strong aenuaon of THz waves by biological materials of high water content [2]. This sensivity allows THz radiaon to be used as a non-ionizing and non- invasive method in the diagnosis of skin condions. However, the hydraon of the skin’s surface layers is dependent on a large number of everyday factors that need to be understood such that dominant factors can be controlled.