Fixing CO2 in anaerobic bacteria and Chemistry of Color in Art

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Lisa Warner, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry with Boise State University, as she discusses:

Fixing CO₂ in anaerobic bacteria

Clostridium thermocellum is an anaerobic bacterium that can depolymerize cellulose into soluble oligosaccharides. Supplementing C. thermocellum with CO₂ stimulates growth, even though the bacterium lacks formate dehydrogenase, which catalyzes the reduction of CO₂ to formate. We show that C. thermocellum is able to fix CO₂ through one-carbon (C1-) metabolism using isotope tracer experiments and that mutating pyruvate-formate lyase (Pfl) abolishes this activity. The principal metabolic product from ¹³C-bicarbonate was uniquely identified as formate, with downstream products preliminarily distinguished.

A glimpse of Chemistry of Color in Art

The Chemistry of Color in Art is a workshop that was constructed to provide situational and tactile exposure to chemistry and science through the lens of art. We have hosted two events that brought together members of the community at large, high school art and science teachers, chemists affiliated with the American Chemical Society, and university students, faculty, and staff. Participants prepared pigments in teams of 4 and use their synthesized pigments to create their own works of art. Here, I will provide a reflection of the workshop and commentary on our commitment to continue to host this workshop, which encourages conversation and shared experiences that cross disciplines and perceived boundaries, and bring people together in an inclusive and fun environment.

When: Friday, November 22nd, 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Where: Science Building Auditorium, Room 151

This is a free event and open to the public. Please visit our website to learn more about our future lecture series topics.

Light refreshments provided by the STEM Division.