Isolation and Identification of Sludge-lysing Bacteria

The purpose of this course is to learn basic skills for the handling of microorganisms prior to isolation, identification, and characterization of sludge-lysing bacteria Then, the course moves onto the measurement of sludge dissolution rate and other technologies using the bacteria.

• ・Handling chemicals and cultures
  
• ・Acquiring aseptic manipulation and culturing technique for using microorganisms with using fluid, agar medium and chemicals
  
• ・Observing the morphology of microorganisms using a microscope
  
• ・Analyzing the biochemical and physiological functions of microorganisms by using various substrate
  
• ・Mapping of the DNA sequence with the DNA sequence and performing DNA homologous analysis based on the sequence results with a computer
  
• ・Measuring the sludge dissolution rate by sludge-lysing bacteria
  
• ・Performing protein analysis using the Lowry method, saccharide analysis using the phenol-sulfuric acid method and lipid analysis using gas chromatography
  

Lectures will be given using books and references specified in the package. Presentation with a seminar style and submission of reports will be required to evaluate the results obtained by the course. Experiments will take place according to the procedure specified in the package. Reports will be made a week and meetings will be conducted as needed.

Exercise problems related to the theme will be decided upon through private consultation with each student.

First, students will acquire basic skills for the handling of microorganisms. Then students will deepen the understanding of biochemical and physiological tests, and the analysis technique of DNA homology and polymers that are actually used for the technological and bacteriological study.

It is desirable that students have a basic knowledge of microbiology and molecular biology.

The following lists show the examples of research projects that can be combined with this course.
"Isolation, identification and characterization of useful bacterial strains"
"Optimization to enhance sludge dissolution"
"Organic acid analysis"

Scores will be given on a scale of 1 to 5 for the items listed below. An average score of 3.5 is considered a passing score.

1. (1) Level of understanding on the handling of microorganisms
   
2. (2) Level of understanding of biochemical and physiological tests and homologous DNA analysis
   
3. (3) Level of understanding of biological polymers
   
4. (4) Final presentation and report