The Effect of Microgravity on Inactivation of
MS2 Bacteriophage by Chlorine
El Paso Community College
El Paso Community College has assumed a unique leadership role in
providing udergraduate student involvement in research activities. This
project will alow us to get some of our undergraduate students involved in
space research activities. Although extensive information exists on the
kinetics of inactivation of viruses by a variety of halogen compounds,
little data is available on the molecular mechanism of inactivation off
viruses. Previous work in our laboratory has indicated that virus
inactivation by halogen compounds proceeds in a gradual fashion, involving
rearrangement of the capsid proteins. No information exists on the effect
of microgravity on the interaction between inactivating agents such as
chlorine and viral proteins. The proposed experiment will investigate the
effects of microgravity on the inactivation of MS2 bacteriophage by
chlorine. An apparatus will be built that will automate the injection of
chlorine (NaOCl) at 0.5-0.2 mg/L to a solution of purified virus
preparation. Twenty seconds later, the mechanism will inject a solution of
Sodium Thiosulfate to neutralize the effect of chlorine. The viral
proteins from inactivated viruses will then be analyzed by electrophoresis,
isoelectronic point determinations and sedimentation analyses. These
studies will provide the basis for future experiments where the structure
of proteins from inactivated viruses will be studied by X-ray analyses of
protein crystals prepared in space. The entire process will be videotape
and used as part of the outreach activities which will include a program on
the school TV channel and presentations done by the students at the college
and at the local elementary, middle and high schools. The student
presentations will convey the message that science is thrilling and
exciting and can be done by all students, including members of
disadvantaged groups.
Visit our web site at: El Paso Community College Microgravity
