Week 2 - PCR/Gel Electrophoresis

Week two at CMOP was a more hands-on week for me. On Tuesday, Vena and I went to Sharp where we were able to test the sensors on streptavidin magnetic beads, which are used to amplify the signal of the targets we are using. By studying the signal of the beads, we are able to determine what will happen when the DNA targets are attached to the beads. After looking at the results, we were able to find that the beads gave many different types of signals depending on the concentration used when inserted into the sensor. This lead to us determining that concentration of the beads is a factor which we will be further studying on Monday. I was able to perform PCR, on Wednesday, using the HLY target. After the three hour PCR process, I purified the DNA which led to Thursday where I was able to use gel electrophoresis to test the DNA. Fortunately, the DNA was present! There were a few faults in my work but with plenty of practice I know that I will master PCR and gel electrophoresis! On Monday, we will be taking the samples we developed here to Sharp to perform research on HLY targets. I’m excited to see where this research will take us with the project!