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Restriction Enzyme Cleavage of DNA
From a "BioPoint" student's point-of-view... In January, we extracted DNA from bacterial cells and separated the DNA using gel electrophoresis. We used EcoRI and HindIII as restriction enzymes that allowed us to observe the DNA like many genetic engineers do. The third sample was an uncut control.
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 Before we began, we worked on a practice dish that we had already messed up.
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 We practiced using the pipettes to load the DNA sample into the gel.
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 This is the equipment we used. Notice in the back are the white sticks that had the three DNA types we inserted into the wells.
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 This practice dish shows why we have to be careful not to mix, put too much in, or make air bubbles.
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 Here we began to place the DNA into the wells of the casting trays. (The tray had already been filled to a depth of 6 mm with agarose solution. The solidified surface had to be smooth and free of debris or even air bubbles.)
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 Here, some other students began to place the DNA into the wells of their casting trays.
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 Here, we continued to fill the wells, being careful not to add air bubbles.
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 Okay, the samples are just about ready.
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 Now, we can start the electrophoresis process.
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 The chamber is connected to electrical leads and power supply.
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 The electrical field pulls the fragments from their origin, through the gel matrix, toward the positive electrode. The resulting pattern of fragments produce the "DNA fingerprint."
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 In this finished gel stained tray, you can see the DNA fragments represented by the purple lines. That's the "DNA fingerprint."
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Note: The Cell Journals are taking longer than we thought.
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