Molecular biology

Genetically modified organisms, better known as GMOs, have been a controversial topic that has caused an uproar among the population. The researcher’s interest pertaining to this topic was peaked approximately one year ago during a biotechnology lecture. Throughout this lecture Mrs. Rausch, a former biotechnologist, explained the fundamental concepts and processes of making genetically modified organisms. Not only has this lecture shaped the researcher’s bias, but his extensive research for…

Due to limited time constraints and having lab only once a week this lab was broken up into five periods, the last one specifically to go over the results. Day one consisted of extraction of plasmid DNA, which we used Resuspension Buffer to break up our pellet after removing the supernatant (liquid) after centrifuging our overnight culture. Then Lysis Buffer was used to break down the membrane of the cells so that we could then add Neutralization Buffer to bring our sample from basic to neutral…

If a positive correlation is found between aggressive behaviour in adopted children and aggressive behaviour in their biological parents, a genetic effect is implied. However, if a positive correlation is found between the adoptee’s aggressive behaviour and the rearing family, then an environmental effect is implied. Although, research by Hutchings and Medinick suggests that environmental factors do not play a role in aggressive behaviour, as they found when looking at 14,000 adoptions in…

A. fischeriThe overall purpose of this study was to create a genomic library of Aliivibrio fischeri (A. fischeri) thus aiding in creating a restriction map of the lux operon. It also employs typical molecular techniques important for biologists to understand. In this portion of the lab, the chromosomal DNA (chDNA) will be isolated. Its purity will be measured using spectrophotometric analysis. Lastly, the DNA will be digested and verified via gel electrophoresis. A. fischeri is a gram…

to dissolve the formazan dye. The optical density was then read at 560 nm using a microplate spectrophotometer (Molecular Devices, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) to determine the cell viability. Measurement of NO production…

GMO Labeling- The Argument against Labeling The labeling of Genetically Modified Organism is nearly as controversial as GMO’s themselves. Well-intentioned consumer groups have lobbied to have GMO products labeled to protect consumers. These groups argue that GMO’s may have the potential to be dangerous and should be labeled. Those that advise against labeling, industry, academics, and regulatory bodies sight the complexities and cost of labels that do not improve safety. Mankind has been…

Introduction In the United States a suspect in a crime is innocent until they are proven in court of law to be guilty beyond doubt(Cornell web), for now at least. This need to prove guilt in a suspect means the use of DNA to determine if the suspect was at least present at the crime scene is a powerful tool because no one person can change their DNA at will. The use of DNA as way to identify people has it 's origins in the United Kingdom because of a technique created by Dr. Alex Jeffreys used…

3.4 DISCUSSIONS 3.4.1 Phenotypic characterization Accurate description of cowpea genotypes is crucial towards making a decision to release a variety as well as conservation of germplasm. The identities of 38 cowpea genotypes were established by using morphological characteristics described as cowpea descriptors (Makanur et al., 2013). Both quantitative and qualitative parameters considered in the current work showed variations among the 38 cowpea genotypes. Variation in growth habit was evident…

4.1 Maintenance and sub-culturing of endophytic fungi The cultures were procured from already maintained repository in laboratory. The maintenance of the cultures involved preparation of Potato dextrose agar (PDA) plates, sub culturing of cultures and long term preservation. 4.1.1 Preparation of PDA (Potato dextrose agar) plates 39g of PDA was dissolved in 1000 ml double distilled water, stirred to mix properly and was transferred into 250 ml Erlenmeyer flasks and autoclaved at 121˚C at 15…

Results Primer design and LAMP reaction Among 40 different primers (OPA 1-20 & OPB 1-20 series) screened by RAPD PCR for differentiating the Mycosphaerella eumusae from other leaf spot causing fungal pathogens in banana, only the primer OPB 10 has generated a unique amplicon specific to M. eumusae at 1300 bp size. A total of nine different sets of LAMP primers were designed based on this specific SCAR derived RAPD marker sequence of M. eumusae and screened for the production of LAMP products…