Team:HKUSTers/Project

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==Simulation==
==Simulation==
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Revision as of 16:46, 26 October 2008

HK Harbour-1-2.jpg


Randomness.JPG


Randomness is everywhere!

381184220 4cfce0c86a.jpg

You may not have realized it, but randomness is very important even outside the casino. It plays an important role in mathematics, statistics, engineering, computer science and even medicine. Randomness is often needed in reducing bias. Here are some examples of natural occuring random events:

>> Random motions of molecules that explains phenomena in thermodynamics and properties of gases

>> Random genetic mutations that lead to diversity of life and makes natural selection possible


True Randomness?

There are various scientific or social areas in which randomness is required for fair analysis. When random numbers are needed, they are usually generated by computers. The computers may use information say, time, and long complicated mathematical processes to generate the number. So, is this true randomness?? The result may actually just be determined by the time at which the generation is kicked start. It is still not absolutely random.

Therefore, we have decided to design a . . .

Name ran3.jpg

This is going to be biologists' random generator. It is not just a biological slot machine, but a random number generator. The cell will have an either 0 or 1 state. By using more than 1 cell, a multi-digit binary number can be generated. The results cannot be controlled or altered by humans. It is true randomness!!! (yes, ideally)


Design

Circuit.jpg


T7P2.jpg
The core part of the randomizer consists of a pair of overlapping T7 promoters having very similar binding affinities. The T7 polymerase binds absolutely randomly onto the left or the right promoter to give an either 0 or 1 signal eventually.


There are two operators on the sides of the promoters, they are c1434 and TetR operators.

Then there are TetR and C1434 repressors on both sides respectively, so that repressor protein can be produced to interrupt RNA production on the other side of the circuit. This makes sures that a mutually exclusive binding event takes place.

The signal output is shown by green or red fluorescent protein (GFP/RFP) respectively.

Results

Simulation

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