Today was very much like last week. We started out by making the gel for the new DNA that we replicated in the PCR machine last week. The process was the same. We added dyes to make the DNA visible, we ran electricity through the gel and watched as the pink, blue, and purple streaks appeared. We took another picture of the gel, but the results still showed up negative. Dr. Cryan said that since the experiment had been completed successfully a while back, and since this was our second failure, there was probably something wrong with the ingredients. This means that either one of the components we added went bad or the actual DNA was messed up. Since the DNA is fairly new, we concluded that this issue must be one of the other components. In order to test the DNA and the other components, we switched out all of my ingredients for new ones, and also added another sample DNA. The new sample that we added was recently tested and was successful. This means that if the new DNA turns out positive in the photo and the others do not, then we know the DNA is bad. If all of the DNA samples turn out positive, we know it was one of the ingredients. After making a completely new mixture from scratch, we put the samples in the PCR machine and let it run. Cross your fingers all of the samples turn out positive!
Again, we finished early, so Dr. Cryan took out more insects for me to examine and categorize by species. After we finished categorizing, we placed each species in different test tubes. Each tube got filled with alcohol, I believe, and then labeled. Unfortunately, time was up so I couldn't examine more, but I'm excited to see our results of the PCR next time!
It is cliche, but science IS riddled with failure. That's the way progress is made.
ReplyDeleteI love the sense of tension you have created. I can't wait for the outcome!!
Could you post some pictures of the insects that you are studying? They seem fascinating.