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Our project this year is aimed at developing a cold-tolerant chassis for the stable expression of psychrophilic genes in mesophilic hosts.
Did you tune out already? Worry not! Sit back, and let our garrulous smooth talkers spin a fascinating yarn to keep you captivated. After all, iGEM’s all about learning the fun way!
Let’s begin with the basics. Mesophilic organisms are your regular next-door microbes which grow optimally in moderate temperatures (usually defined between a fairly nippy 20°C to and a decidedly uncomfortable 45°C). Their more adventurous cousins are the extremophiles - the legends who not only survive but outright thrive, in the face of some of Earth’s harshest environments. Be it corrosive pH ranges, crushing pressures, near-melting temperatures, tons of radiation, or (of particular interest to us) freezing cold conditions, these wily minions have well and truly proven their hardiness.
