Detection and Expression of Biosynthetic Genes in Actinobacteria ...

___________________________________________________________________________________Aims of the Project1) Identify biochemical genotypes in a range of actinobacteria cultures fromdifferent environments, which are related to the productivity of secondarymetabolites.2) Induce the expression of secondary metabolites from actinobacteria, with anemphasis on genera that are poor producers.Experimental Objectives1) To develop and implement PCR screening methodologies for the detection ofbiosynthetic genes in actinobacteria.2) To formulate a fermentation media that exhibits broad range applicability forthe production of secondary metabolites.Null Hypothesis1) The presence of biosynthetic genes in an actinobacterial strain indicates thepresence of a biosynthetic pathway and that the organism may have thecapability to produce a specific secondary metabolite under definedfermentation conditions.2) The ability of an actinobacterial strain to produce secondary metabolites is notinfluenced by the isolation source._____________________________________________________________________xii