Kim, Sung-Kun, 1968-Shipley, Sheena.Baylor University. Dept. of Chemistry and Biochemistry.2011-01-052011-01-052010-122011-01-05http://hdl.handle.net/2104/8098Includes bibliographical references (p. ).Aptamers are oligonucleotides that bind with great specificity and affinity to a target molecule. These oligonucleotides are produced through the course of Systemic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX). SELEX is a combinatorial chemistry technique used to generate a random DNA or RNA library, which is then incubated with a target molecule. The binding aptamers are divided from the nonbinding random pool DNA/aptamers, and then amplified via polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Double stranded DNA molecules have been used to select against purified target molecules; in this study we have developed a selection technique using live Escherichia coli cells as a target and using Bacillus subtilis and Enterobacter aerogenes as negative controls. Aptamer pools obtained from approximately 8 rounds of Cell SELEX demonstrated an affinity for E .coli cells when tested via fluorescence detection.336545 bytes3261207 bytesapplication/pdfapplication/pdfen-USBaylor University theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. Contact librarywebmaster@baylor.edu for inquiries about permission.Aptamers.E.coli.Cell SELEX.ThesisWorldwide access.Access changed 6-21-13.