Date of Award

Spring 2021

Thesis Type

Open Access

Degree Name

Honors Bachelor of Arts

Department

Chemistry

Sponsor

Dr. Kasandra Riley

Committee Member

Dr. Paul Stephenson

Committee Member

Dr. Brendaliz Santiago-Narvaez

Abstract

To date, the genus Psychrobacter includes 37 recognized bacterial species isolated from different sources ranging from Siberian permafrost (P. cryohalolentis) to seal feces (P. lutiphocae). Due to its diverse ecological niches, several species belonging to the genus have different enzymatic activities with potential applications in bioremediation and the food industry. In this study, a bioprospecting approach was used to perform a in depth analysis of a Psychrobacter-like bacterial strain isolated from goose feces (designated as Psychrobacter unknown). The phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene and homologous sequence studies suggest that the strain may represent a novel species of the Psychrobacter genus. Further genomic analysis on this novel species suggests to a non-canonical central carbon metabolism and potential catalase enzymatic activity. Upon expression and purification of catalse from P. cryohaloentis, a cobalt based catalase assay was optimized. P. cryohaloentis was shown to have an elevated catalase activity exceeding that of commercial bovine liver catalase.

Rights Holder

Andrew Stewart

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