Molecular+Biology

Comments on Household Molecular Biology from Dr. Schneegurt

Northeast Magnet HS Molecular Development Team

Homemade Gel Box image 1







http://www.accessexcellence.org/AE/AEPC/WWC/1993/moving.html

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November 08, 2006 dr. s these are some of the materials we would like to work with for our electrophoresis box project. - electro group



Rubbermaid box (3x5) or (5x5): $2 Hefty Soak Proof Trays: $2 Duracell Coppertop: $4 30” Test Leads: $2 3 guys and a bag of cheetos: Priceless… … For everything else, theres mastercard… -Wow...~Evan

Perspectis (spelling?) Goals:
 * 1) Use household items to stain DNA.
 * 2) Create and run a gel electrophoresis box made from household items.
 * 3) Create a working buffer solution without using Tris.

Abstract:
 * Build a box for gel electrophoresis from readily available products.

Statement of Problem:
 * How can one construct a gel electrophoresis box out of readily available items.

Hypothesis:


 * H1: To what extent does making a gel electrophoresis box out of readily available materials meet the quality of a professionally made gel box and yields the same results.
 * H0: To what extent does making a gel electrophoresis box out of readily available materials not meet the quality of a professionally made gel box and does not yield the same results.

Materials:
 * 1) Rubbermaid box (3x5)
 * 2) Hefty soak proof trays
 * 3) Duracell coppertop
 * 4) 30” test leads
 * 5) Aluminum foil

Great job guys, I can tell you are ready to get under way. There are just a few changes and additions that we should make here. Your hypothesis is more along the lines of whether or not you think a gel box made out of kitchen materials is workable, whether or not you think staining DNA with fabric dye is feasable, and whether or not you think that creating a buffer solution without Tris is likely. We can chat more about it on Thursday (I will be a little late). Let's also add some backround introduction information. Look on the web for articles that explain DNA (like how it's slightly negative for instance). Also look up gel electrophoresis buffer systems, what they are made up of and why/how they work. That will help you with your hypothesis. Try to get 3 really good reference articles by Thursday and bring them to club. You may omit the abstract portion of this write-up. -Brooke