Objective

The objective for today’s lab was to calculate exactly how much water and purified DNA we would need to add to our solution in order to run a polymerase chain reaction. We also reviewed for our midterm and began organizing our posters.

Purpose

The purpose of the PCR was to amplify our DNA sample so we would have a sufficient amount of DNA to send off for sequencing. We were also able to review for our midterm as a class through Kahoot, and we could ask any clarifying questions that we needed answered. Finally, we were able to work with our group to design a poster that we will create using all the data that would go in our final scientific paper.

Procedure

First, we had to do the calculations. For both the sample and control we needed a final volume of 25 µL, 1µL of 10µM primers, and 12.5 µL of 2x taq mix. The control, however, contained no DNA and 11.5 µL of water, while the sample contained 1.52µL of DNA and 9.98µL of water. These two solutions were made and placed in a rack with the rest of the students’ to undergo PCR. After this we did our QTM’s and reviewed using Kahoot, in which I almost got first (I was in the lead until the 9th question). Then we focused on organizing and titling our poster, which was simple enough in itself.

Data

After our calculations, we found that, to obtain a final volume of 25µL in the sample solution, we needed to add 1.52µL of DNA and 9.98µL of water. Other than that, there was not much data to obtain from this lab. The useful data will come in when the DNA is sequenced and we can analyze it.

Conclusion

This lab was mainly a simple preparation of our DNA for the polymerase chain reaction procedure. In addition to this, we did get to review for the midterm. I believe this was very much needed as many of us did not know how to prepare for the exam. Finally, we got to work with our groups to begin the poster that we will have to construct, which proved relatively simple since my group was in agreement about all the aspects we discussed.

Storage

Our solutions were labelled and placed with everyone else’s at the front of the classroom. Near the end of lab, Dr. Adair took these upstairs to beging the PCR process. Our work space was sanitized with bleach before we began making our solutions and was wiped down thoroughly. As per usual, I was the last person in my group to exit lab, so I made sure that our area was neat and everything was put away as it should be.