Week 9

Hello! I can't believe it's already week 9 of the project.

Anyway, the DNA ladder failed yet again on Friday, so we are letting the DNA and enzymes sit overnight. Hopefully that will be enough time for the enzymes to break up the DNA.

Today I helped prepare DNA samples for testing. First the lab manager collected tiny snips from the ends of the tails of the new mouse litter and put each in its own plastic tube. I added 20 microliters of NAOH to the tubes. This makes the solution basic, which partially dissolves the tail tips. After about an hour, I added a mildly acidic solution to balance out the pH. Then I put the tubes in the centrifuge so all the liquid would settle to the bottom, and stuck them in the freezer. Tomorrow we will put these samples in the gel electrophoresis tank and find out the genotypes of the mice.

Before going home I set put the DNA and enzyme mixture for the DNA ladder in the water bath so it will stay warm overnight. Hopefully it works this time!

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Wednesday update on the DNA ladder: it still doesn't work! :(

The DNA ladder still isn't working, so we ordered the restriction enzymes from a different manufacturer, because we think the first batch was defective. The new ones should arrive today and we will leave them overnight again. Hopefully they cut up the DNA this time!

Today I also got to autoclave some more pipette tips and do another electrophoresis to test the genotypes of some mice. I am also helping the lab manager make a protocol (set of instructions) on how to use the microscope with the fluorescent light. With the protocol it will be easier to teach new people coming to the lab, because there will be a detailed set of instructions on how to use it.

I'll make another update on the DNA ladder tomorrow, fingers crossed it won't be another failure!

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Hello!

We didn't get a chance to test the DNA ladder after waiting a whole night, but it did not work after the one hour test we did try. Probably the enzymes need to be left with the DNA overnight, so we will try that next week.

We will also be having a lab meeting on Monday, so I will give you an update on the information we talk about on Monday.

Have a nice weekend!