Genomic Annotation Research of Bacteriophage DoobyDoo

Abstract

SEA-PHAGES is a two-semester research program in which students conduct research on novel bacteriophages—viruses that exclusively target and kill bacterial hosts. Recently, bacteriophage research has become increasingly critical as bacteriophages can destroy multi-drug-resistant bacteria. During the BIOL L-101 semester of SEA-PHAGES, undergraduates Preston Penny and Ibrahim Abdulrehman isolated and purified the mycobacteriophage DoobyDoo. Now, their research is dedicated to annotating DoobyDoo’s genome. Utilizing bioinformatic databases and computer algorithms, the students have helped identify and annotate DoobyDoo's genes and their potential functions. The student's conclusions can assist researchers in comprehending the nature of DoobyDoo and its relationship to other bacteriophages.