Calgary/project summary

( 1 )

Each engineered cell (blue capsule) has genes (green box with arrow) for a light sensing protein (green oval)

( 2 )

The light sensor is activated by passing the beam from a laser pointer over the petri plate

( 3 )

The light sensor controls another gene (red box with arrow), for the protein agarase (red circles). Once activated by the laser pointer, the light sensor activates the agarase gene.

( 4 )

Agarase breaks down the jello-like matrix that the cells rest on. When many cells produce agarase a depression becomes visible on the petri plate.