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Lab/Field Proficiencies

1.Microscope Techniques

The one instrument I can say related to all my classes is the microscope. Even in Biology 2 we used a light microscope to analyze animal and plant cells in a condenser lens. A light microscope is an instrument that uses visible light and magnifying lenses in order to view small objects that are not visible to the naked eye or are extremely small.  Overtime I progressed to classes like Microbiology, Investigation & Research, and Tissue culture and the use of a microscope was still imperative.

2. Gel Electrophoresis

Gel electrophoresis is a technique used to separate DNA fragments and others such as RNA and proteins based on their size and charge. In classes like Cell Biology and Biomolecules we ran electrophoresis on PCR reactions. DNA fragments are negatively charged, so they move towards the positive electrode during electrophoresis . The smaller fragments are allowed to run through the gel faster than the larger fragments, separating by size. Once the gel is ran the bands are visible through a UV light by DNA binding dye as seen. There we can view different DNA appear in different locations on the gel.

3. Spectrophotometer

Spectrophotometer techniques are used to measure the concentration of solutes in solution by measuring the amount of the light that is absorbed by the solution in a curvette placed in the spectrophotometer.The objectives of this experiment were to determine the protein concentrations of an unknown solution using the Biuret method of  protein assay, and we learned how to use the spectrophotometer in measuring the absorbance of different protein concentrations. The Biuret method required the solution to be tested and mixed with a Biuret reagent and run through a spectrophotometer.

4. Chromatography 

Chromatography is an analytical technique commonly used for separating a mixture of chemical substances into its individual components, so that the individual components can be thoroughly analyzed. In multiple classes like Organic chemistry I & II, and Biochemistry I have become familiar with the process of chromatography. The two techniques of chromatography I explored were thin layer chromatography and column chromatography. Thin layer chromatography is when compounds are separated on a adsorbent material like silica gel on a glass sheet. In contrast the column chromatography is a preparation technique used to purify compounds depending on their polarity or hydrophobicity.

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