Rationale: Perform plaque assays to see if phage are present from two soil samples.

Procedure: 

Before the experiment was performed, the workspace was cleaned with both Cidecon and 70% Ethanol. A burner was then placed to set up the aseptic zone.

Soil A, Soil B, and 10^0 serial dilution. 

Both plaque assays from 10/08/18 failed (soil A and B). The same procedure was done 10/08/18 was done today, except 10^0 dilution that was performed 9/14/18 was used to perform a third plaque assay. Since the results form 9/14/18 were successful, this plaque assay should have positive results. The formula below was used to make the solution for 4 plates (three for the experiment and one positive control).

• 2mL LB Booth (x10)
• 22.5 microliters of Calcium Chloride (x10)
• 2.5mL 2X TA (x10)
• 500 microliters of Arthro
• (made in a 50mL vial)

Observations: 

Control from the experiment 10/8/18 was positive, and the two plaque assays came back negative. Instead of adding 10 microliters of lysate into 500 microliters of Arthrobacter, 100 microliters of lysate was added to the Arthrobacter. This was done to amplify the phage so that plaques will be visible.

 Plaque Assay Soil A

 Plaque Assay Soil B

Conclusions:

Perform plaques assays on 10/12/18 whether or not phage is present. If phage is present, pick the plaque to create a serial dilution. If the experiment comes back to be negative, then plaque assays will be performed, and the contamination will be solved if possible.