Honors Theses
Date of Award
Spring 5-7-2026
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Department
Chemistry and Biochemistry
First Advisor
Randy Wadkins
Second Advisor
Saumen Chakraborty
Third Advisor
Kowsalya Rasamani
Relational Format
Disseration/Thesis
Abstract
The overall goal of this thesis was to investigate the genetic basis of bioluminescence in Omphalotus olearius, a bioluminescent mushroom. The project initially focused on growing fungal cultures under controlled laboratory conditions and using molecular techniques such as DNA extraction, PCR, and gel electrophoresis to identify the organism and isolate the gene responsible for light production. The main objective was to insert this gene into a bacterial system to confirm its function through observable bioluminescence. However, repeated difficulties in maintaining viable fungal cultures and errors in molecular procedures resulted in inconclusive results, preventing successful gene identification. Due to these limitations and time constraints, the focus of the project shifted from a gene-centered approach to a protein-centered study of fungal luciferase. This shift emphasized understanding the biochemical complexity of fungal bioluminescence and comparing it to the more commonly studied firefly luciferase. Although experimental results were limited, this study highlights the challenges of working with fungal systems and provides a foundation for future research.
Recommended Citation
Martin, James H., "Biochemical Characterization of Luciferase in Omphalotus olearius" (2026). Honors Theses. 3531.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/3531