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Introducing the concept of biocatalysis in the classroom: The conversion of cholesterol to provitamin D3.
De Luca, Belén M; Nudel, Clara B; Gonzalez, Rodrigo H; Nusblat, Alejandro D.
Afiliação
  • De Luca BM; Cátedra de Biotecnología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, Buenos Aires, Argentina, C1113AAD.
  • Nudel CB; Cátedra de Biotecnología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, Buenos Aires, Argentina, C1113AAD.
  • Gonzalez RH; Cátedra de Biotecnología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, Buenos Aires, Argentina, C1113AAD.
  • Nusblat AD; Cátedra de Biotecnología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, Buenos Aires, Argentina, C1113AAD.
Biochem Mol Biol Educ ; 45(2): 105-114, 2017 03 04.
Article em En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27666582
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 D3. 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. © 2016 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 45(2)105-114, 2017.
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Texto completo: 1 Coleções: 01-internacional Base de dados: MEDLINE Assunto principal: Bioquímica / Colesterol / Tetrahymena thermophila / Aprendizagem Baseada em Problemas / Currículo / Biocatálise / Provitaminas Limite: Humans Idioma: En Revista: Biochem Mol Biol Educ Ano de publicação: 2017 Tipo de documento: Article

Texto completo: 1 Coleções: 01-internacional Base de dados: MEDLINE Assunto principal: Bioquímica / Colesterol / Tetrahymena thermophila / Aprendizagem Baseada em Problemas / Currículo / Biocatálise / Provitaminas Limite: Humans Idioma: En Revista: Biochem Mol Biol Educ Ano de publicação: 2017 Tipo de documento: Article