Bioluminescence is the production of light by living organisms, including bacteria. The lux R gene product of V. fischeri regulates the genes that actually produce the light in the marine bacterium. Ongoing studies using site-directed mutagenesis and polymerase chain reaction will further define each regulatory domain of the Lux R protein. Since then more than 60 gram negative bacteria have been identified as having similar regulatory mechanisms based on cell density.
Folic acid is a vitamin essential for human growth and development.
A dediciency of folic acid in a woman during pregnancy may result in neural tube defects of the fetus. Dr. Slock is continuing to study the folate pathway of Bacillus subtilis with the hope that the knowledge gained will lead to the commercial production of folic acid. The inexpensive and large scale production of folic acid will be used as a vitamin supplement that will counteract these birth defects. Approximately eighty other scientists throughout the world have cited Dr. Slock's work in their own research projects. To learn more about these courses, go to Course Descriptions .