https://pages.htgaa.org/2026a/devorah-wertheimer/homework/week-11-hw-building-genomes/index.htmlQuestion 1: Component Roles in the NMP-Ribose Cell-Free Reaction E. coli Lysate — BL21 (DE3) Star Lysate (includes T7 RNA Polymerase) This is the core catalytic engine of the reaction — it provides ribosomes, translation factors, chaperones, tRNA synthetases, and metabolic enzymes needed for protein synthesis. The BL21 (DE3) strain specifically expresses T7 RNA Polymerase, which is required to transcribe genes under T7 promoter control. Salts/Buffer Potassium Glutamate: Provides the primary ionic environment for the reaction, mimicking intracellular potassium concentrations that support ribosome stability and translation fidelity. HEPES-KOH pH 7.5: Maintains a stable physiological pH throughout the reaction, preventing enzyme inactivation and ensuring optimal ribosome function. Magnesium Glutamate: Magnesium is critical for ribosome assembly and stability, as well as for stabilizing nucleotide triphosphates used in transcription and translation. Potassium Phosphate monobasic/dibasic (1.6:1): Acts as a secondary buffer and provides inorganic phosphate, which is important for nucleotide regeneration and energy metabolism in the ribose-based system. Energy / Nucleotide SystemHugoen