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Modelling of genetically engineered microorganisms introduction in closed artificial microcosms
N S Pechurkin1, A V Brilkov, V V Ganusov
1Institute of Biophysics Russian Academy of Sciences, Siberian Branch, Krasnoyarsk, Russia.
Advances in Space Research : the Official Journal of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR)
|September 7, 2001
Summary
Genetically engineered microorganisms (GEMs) survival in water microcosms depends on algae presence. Algae blooming promotes GEM stability, while its absence leads to rapid plasmid loss in Escherichia coli.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Ecotoxicology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Assessing the ecological impact of genetically engineered microorganisms (GEMs) is crucial for safe environmental release.
- Understanding GEM survival and genetic stability in aquatic ecosystems is essential for risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the survival and stability of a recombinant Escherichia coli strain in laboratory water microcosms.
- To evaluate the influence of algae blooming on GEM persistence and plasmid integrity.
- To develop a mathematical model predicting GEM behavior in varying aquatic environments.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory water microcosms with and without algae (Ankistrodesmus sp.) were used.
- Survival rates of plasmid-containing Escherichia coli Z905 (Apr, Lux+) were monitored.
- Plasmid structure modifications were analyzed.
- A mathematical model was formulated to simulate GEM dynamics.
Main Results:
- GEM survival was highly dependent on the model ecosystem's conditions, specifically algae presence.
- In the absence of algae blooming, plasmid-containing E. coli populations rapidly declined, with plasmid structure modification.
- Algae blooming conditions led to near-complete maintenance of plasmid-containing E. coli cells.
- A mathematical model was developed to predict GEM behavior.
Conclusions:
- Algae blooming significantly enhances the survival and genetic stability of GEMs in aquatic microcosms.
- The ecological context, particularly the presence of primary producers, is a critical factor for GEM persistence.
- Mathematical modeling provides a valuable tool for forecasting GEM behavior in diverse water ecosystems.