Characterization of an amylase gene from Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus

Sarah Studer
Occidental College

A recently cloned gene of Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus has been identified as an amylase gene. This was an unexpected finding as Bdellovibrio does not seem to utilize sugars as an energy source. The gene’s sequence has been analyzed and the expression of the gene during different portions of the bacteria’s life cycle has been tested. The substrate specificity of the enzyme has been tested. A null mutant has been constructed. Currently it is believed that the bacteria builds a glucose polymer while in the nutrient rich environment of the host cell, then degrades the chain slowly in the nutrient poor environment outside of the host cell. Future work will focus finding out how the gene is regulated and if Bdellovibrio uses the enzyme to degrade its own polysaccharides or sugars from its host.