Team:OUC-China/Description

Team OUC-China: Main

Overview

When we started

The genome contains commands which help the cell to realize some basic functions like eat, reproduce, communicate, move and excrete. Cells also can be programmed by exogenous DNA which have new commands that guide the cell to perform new artificial tasks and aims in parallel. As we all know, synthetic biology developed very fast in recent years. One of the most important things that helps us to build our fantastic dream in synthetic biology is to develop small modular genetic parts. By doing, the whole circuit will become more flexible and easy to operate. Genetic engineering is entering a new era, where microorganisms can be programmed by using synthetic constructs. More and more toolbox of modular genetic parts is designed to interface with the control of cellular processes. As we all know, the well-designed modular parts need to be assembled into biological circuits or pathways easily and different parts usually have different functions. The part created to regulate downstream gene expression is common and useful.

Safe lab work

We works at a neat lab named “Lab for Microinnovation and Enterprise”, which is a BSL-2 laboratory. Before working in the lab, we are supposed to be trained by the skillful hands, not only for the general lab safety rules, but also for the standard experimental operation avoiding unnecessary damage. No experiment carries no risk to the experimenters, hence we are properly equipped with facilities, such as latex gloves, nitrile gloves, goggles, lab coats to protect us from biotic and abiotic hazards.

Fig.1 Our personal safety precautions

Then for lab safety, a routine inspection is performed twice a day by everyone, not only for ensuring normal operation of our lab like supplying experimental consumables and inspecting the running of instruments, but also keeps it away from non-biological hazards, especially the water and electricity. For high efficiency, responsibility implements to every team member.