Question: Does it have to be a specific type of bacteria in order for the glue to be produced, and is it possible for the bacteria to grow and have a reaction to the barnacles gene?

Joanne Duffy answered on 10 Nov 2017:

Great question! So I use a bacteria called E. coli, which is famous for causing food poisoning, and is associated with fecal contamination (ie: poop). But we know lots about E. coli because it’s been studied for so long, so it’s the best species to use when you start making proteins this way. Other species are used sometimes, and yeast species can also be used, it all depends on the features of the thing you’re trying to make. It’s like making a cake, you can use a regular cake tin or sometimes it makes sense to use another type of equipment, like making cupcakes.
And yes, it’s possible for the bacteria to have a bad reaction to the thing you’re forcing them to make, sometimes the product might be toxic and make the cells die off. Luckily, that doesn’t happen with the glue I’m making!