Title: 2.1 KSB 1: Choosing The Right Organism
Course: ATEP - Biotechnology Module B > Section: Section 2 Research and Investigate

2.1.1 KSB I: Choosing the Right Organisms for Protease Production

Your team has been provided five organisms to choose from based on cost and availability. You will need to decide which organism will be used to accomplish your task and meet the criteria established by the NIH.

The five organisms are:

- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Saccharomyces boulardii
- Bacillus thuringiensis
- Algae
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Using the Internet to research the metabolism and properties of each organism. You may choose to have each member research a separate one and then come together to share with your team and come to a consensus. It is also okay to choose more than one.

If you are not clear about an answer, use the internet to research. Generally, a website that ends in an .edu, .org or .gov can be considered a valid source.

Complete KSB I as a team. Then check your research with your instructor before proceeding to KSB II.

2.1.2 Protease with a Purpose

Proteases are enzymes that can be found in all organisms, from eukaryotes to prokaryotes and even viruses. They function by breaking the bonds between individual amino acids that make up proteins.

Protease research is a large field and has many applications in industry and medicine. As a team, research one of these applications and adopt it as your team's future project. How would this application be beneficial in an underdeveloped country?

Record your information in your KSB1 handout.

2.1.3 Growth Conditions for Your Organism

Growth Conditions for Your Organism

Although microorganisms are all around us, it can be difficult to grow them in laboratory setting.But if the right conditions are obtained, it is more likely that a culture can be obtained. Determining the right combination of ingredients that make up the culture media will help promote optimal growth and reduce contamination.

Like humans, all organisms need a constant food source to survive and produce the desired product, which in your case is the protein protease.

Based on your research of your chosen organism's growth requirements, select products in the media/assay supply section of the Bioreactor Invoice sheet that your team will use for its culture media. The supply list is below. You will not use all of the ingredients and some ingredients could actually inhibit growth. Only choose ingredients specific to your chosen organism.

Enter your team's choices into the invoice below. Save the invoice for submission at the end of Section 2.

Invoice EXCEL worksheet