Tuesday we spent mixing 3 different solutions for the research assignment (this will probably be a weekly necessity for each week's assay). We mixed top agarose, M9TB and LB. All mixtures were then brought to the proper pH and autoclaved. (This took the entire four hours although it should have been accomplished quicker, however, this was the first time that Trudi and I were actually performing the task ourselves.)
Wednesday was spent becoming familiar with a testing procedure called ELISA. Dr. Ghirlanda has supplied us with the particular protocol for this test and explained the procedures involved in the ELISA. This particular test is well documented for lab tests performing titers assaying antigens against specific antibodies. We will be starting the ELISA tomorrow to experience the procedures and results obtained by this particular method of testing.
Thursday we became familiar with ELISA procedures and the washing of the protein, pipetting, and diluting the serum. Dr. Ghirlanda guided us through the different steps actually showing how the 96 cells are filled with protein and subsequently washed and subjected to antibody solution. We used a multiple pipette applicator for the first time and could see how specific laboratory instruments are crucial to performing experiments in a timely fashion.
Friday we worked with Melissa and picked up where she stopped on Thursday afternoon. We viewed gel electrophoresis and she showed us how she determined the ligation of the DNA strand. We also looked at the photo density of the solution to determine the correct photo density before proceeding. Melissa had already worked on preparing the phage plates so they were ready for a final count. The plates did not look like the original so she chose to put them aside until Dr. Ghirlanda could see them.
