Bacterial photographs
2005/11/25 Roa Zubia, Guillermo - Elhuyar Zientzia
Students at the University of Texas have conducted a genetic engineering experiment to photograph with biological material. This bacteria cannot act by itself as a light sensor, so the first step has been the photosensitization of the bacteria. To do this, they have linked the protein of a photosensitive algae to another protein of the bacteria. This second protein has the ability to activate the genes of the bacteria. The combination of these two proteins when there is no active light a gene. For the gene of a protein that when activated produces a black pigment. The second step has been the adaptation of this gene to this system. Thus, if it receives light, the bacteria do not produce pigments, and if it is in the dark, it blackens it. Therefore, using so modified bacteria, they have been able to make a photographic film. Make the film and take out the photo. The result is shown in the image.
Photo: Aaron Chevalier and Nature
