Team:UiOslo Norway/Basic Part
Part of something bigger...
crtE – geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase
Part code: BBa_K2971000
This part contains the gene crtE (dr1395), from the extremophile Deinococcus radiodurans, encoding the enzyme geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGPPS). GGPPS catalyze the condensation of farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) and isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP) into geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP). GGPP is a precursor for the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway. The sequence has been codon optimized for expression in Escherichia coli and iGEM registry compatibility. We used this gene in a composite part for the production of the red pigment, lycopene, in Escherichia coli. This was done by expressing it in a vector along with the genes crtB and crtI.
crtB – phytoene synthase
Part code: BBa_K2971002
This part contains the gene crtB (dr0862), from the extremophile Deinococcus radiodurans, encoding the enzyme phytoene synthase (CrtB). Phytoene synthase catalyzes the first reaction in the biosynthetic pathway of carotenoids. The sequence has been codon optimized for expression in Escherichia coli and iGEM registry compatibility. We used this gene in a composite part for the production of the red pigment, lycopene, in Escherichia coli. This was done by expressing it in a vector along with the genes crtE and crtI.
crtI – phytoene desaturase
Part code: BBa_K2971001
This part contains the gene crtI (dr0861), from the extremophile Deinococcus radiodurans, encoding the enzyme phytoene desaturase (CrtI). CrtI catalyzes the desaturation of phytoene (a colorless compound) into lycopene (a deep red compound). The desaturation result in the production of a polyene chromophore. This is the chromophore that is utilized in the biogenic solar cell to absorb energy from light. More details about its integration in the biogenic solar cell can be found the design page. We used this gene in a composite part for the production of the red pigment, lycopene, in Escherichia coli. This is done by expressing it in a vector along with the genes crtE and crtB.
