The Durban University of Technology recently held its second inaugural lecturer of the year where Professor Kugen Permaul, a Professor in the University’s Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology in the Faculty of Applied Sciences, reflected on his “evolution” as a researcher.

His inaugural lecture: Evolution of a Gene Jockey, was held at the University’s Hotel School Conference Centre, Ritson Campus. When Prof Permaul decided on this topic, he reflected on the first time he joined DUT. In his reasons as to why he used the title: Evolution of a Gene Jockey, the Professor said it was not only because he was condescendingly called a “gene jockey” by a researcher at DUT, but because evolution, especially human evolution, is  one of his favourite subjects.

“… I have also evolved as a researcher since the time I arrived at the University, from someone who primarily conducted fundamental research to someone who now has numerous applied research projects.  Another reason is based on a molecular technique that we perform in the lab called ‘directed evolution’ which involved enhances gene function. In this technique we speed up the evolutionary process of enzymes,” he said.

The term “gene jockey” was a humorous term used to describe young molecular biology scientists at the beginning of the biotech era. The lecture traced Prof Permaul’s research career thus far and highlighted key discoveries and their relevance and importance to society. The talk also described the impact of scientific research, in general, and in the fields of molecular biology and highlighted the breakdown in communication between scientists and society.

Some interesting facts presented during the lecture:

– Micro-organisms are found everywhere, from tops of the highest mountains to the bottom of the deepest oceans.

– Microbes outnumber all other species and form the majority of the living matter on Earth.

– The human body is an ecosystem containing 100 trillion microbial cells.

– Bacteria replicate DNA 10 times faster than humans, at speeds of up to 1000 building blocks a second.

– 20 000 to 25 000 genes make up a human being.

– A single human cell contains over 1 million of DNA, when unwound.  A human has 10 trillion cells.

– Plasmids are tiny little pieces of DNA that can be considered a primitive form of life.

Pictured: A light moment during Professor Kugen Permaul’s inaugural lecture where he  reflected on his “evolution” as a researcher.

– Noxolo Memela