Browsing by Author "Faromiki, Olalekan Gbenga"

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    Characterizing the Roles of AgmT, a Putative Lytic Transglycolyase, in the Gliding Motility of Myxococcus xanthus
    (2022-06-21) Faromiki, Olalekan Gbenga; Nan, Beiyan; Parede-Sabja, Daniel; Zeng, Lanying
    The gram-negative bacterium Myxcoccus xanthus glides on solid surfaces utilizing an inner-membrane proton channel as the motor. Together with other accessory proteins, motor units form static complexes that exert force between internal helical tracks and the substratum and drive a corkscrew-like motion of the tracks. As a result, the cell also moves forward like a corkscrew. After transient stalls, static complexes quickly disassemble and resume rapid motion. However, is not clear how the mechanical force transmits to cell surfaces across the rigid peptidoglycan (PG) cell wall. Here we show that AgmT, a putative lytic transglycosylase for PG, is an essential component of the gliding machinery. Using single-molecule microscopy, we found that the motors move normally in the absence of AgmT but fail to stall. Thus, we have identified the connection between the gliding motor and the PG. The aim of my research is to investigate how AgmT interacts with PG and if its transglycosylase activity is required for gliding. The findings of this project will reveal the mechanism by which M. xanthus transmits proton motive force from the inner-membrane to the cell surface.
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    The Economic Implications of Processed Tomato Importation on Local Tomato Farmers Production in Nigeria
    (2019-11-13) Faromiki, Olalekan Gbenga; EDWIN, PRICE CHAPELIN; RIBERA, LUIS A; STRONG, ROBERT JR
    Most findings suggested that marketing, innovation and competitive pressures emanating from relevant imports are significant catalysts for decreasing total factor productivity (TFP) and economic growth. The Nigerian government believes that importation of processed tomato paste is hurting local farmers’ production. Partly to respond to this concern, this study is set to examine the dynamic relationship among local farmer’s production, tomato prices and the importation of processed tomatoes. We then identify the effect that inconsistent government policy has on the importation, as it affects final consumers. The Dickey-Fuller test for stationarity is used to approach correlation relationship and stationarity; OLS regression is used to study the relationship between the exogenous and endogenous variables. The local farmer’s production and importation of tomato paste are positively correlated, responding, increasing consumer demand. The significance of this study lies in the fact that importation of processed tomatoes increases to meet demand whenever local production of tomatoes, also increasing, fails to fill demand. Thus, there is positive correlation between production and imports. This shows that tomato paste is necessity for consumers. Imports help to make food affordable and available to the consumers. This will also be useful by government agency, policy makers, and business owners in identifying farmers plight and consumer preferences to meet the demand. This research work serves as a contribution to the body of knowledge and supports future studies on the effects of imported goods on the national economy.