Objective: To finalize the metadata from our samples, chose the samples to get sequenced, and submit our Abstracts, Titles, and Posters.

Procedure: 

1. Vote on the Cilicure Logo

2. Input Metadata for sample on spreadsheet

3. Label sample

4. Review abstract and title and poster in the computer lab

5. Submit Title, Poster, and Abstract

Data: 

Metadata:

Title:

Soil eDNA and Ciliate Culture DNA Extraction and PCR Amplification

Abstract:

Not much research has been done on the topic of soil ciliates. Therefore, a thorough research experiment on the study of soil ciliates’ DNA is necessary. This experiment was conducted to determine the diversity of ciliates from soil samples collected from the rhizosphere of different trees on the Baylor campus. We collected the metadata of the samples, such as tree and soil type, location, soil pH and percent water content. The silica bead eDNA extraction protocol and the Chelex DNA extraction from Ciliate culture were run on separate samples. We then ran gel electrophoresis, quantified the extracted DNA using Nanodrop and attempted to amplify the 18sV4 region using PCR. Gel electrophoresis yielded DNA bands for both extraction methods, however the gel run from the PCR reaction failed to produce results for either sample. Nanodrop showed that there were higher DNA concentrations for the silica bead extraction sample compared to the Chelex extraction samples. Due to the negative results for PCR amplification, DNA sequencing will not be performed on these samples. 

Poster:

Conclusion: 

We will present our poster at the Cure Symposium on Friday from 2-4. Since we got negative results for the PCR reaction, our sample will not be sequenced. We will still present our negative results and observe the other posters at the CURE Symposium.