Gel Electrophoresis: Visualize and separate nucleic acids Lab report write up to find out who steal my peanut butter with objectives to :
Explain the visualization and separation of nucleic acid molecules through gel electrophoresis
Summarize how nucleic acid molecules migrate through an agarose gel
Explain the principles behind size separation and direction of migration
Analyze and interpret a nucleic acid gel by using a DNA ladder and controls
Introduction:
Gel electrophoresis is a technique used to separate nucleic acid molecules based on their size and charge. In this lab, we used gel electrophoresis to determine who stole my peanut butter by analyzing the DNA left behind on the jar.
Objectives:
1. Explain the visualization and separation of nucleic acid molecules through gel electrophoresis
2. Summarize how nucleic acid molecules migrate through an agarose gel
3. Explain the principles behind size separation and direction of migration
4. Analyze and interpret a nucleic acid gel by using a DNA ladder and controls
Materials and Methods:
To determine who stole my peanut butter, we collected DNA samples from different suspects and extracted the DNA using a standard protocol. We then prepared an agarose gel and loaded the DNA samples along with a DNA ladder and controls. We ran the gel using an electric current for a set amount of time and then stained the gel to visualize the DNA bands.
Results:
We were able to visualize the DNA fragments on the gel and analyze the size and direction of migration. Based on the DNA samples loaded and the controls used, we were able to identify the suspect who stole my peanut butter.
Discussion:
Through gel electrophoresis, we were able to separate the nucleic acid molecules based on their size and charge. The DNA ladder and controls helped us interpret the gel and determine the size and location of the DNA fragments. The direction of migration was determined by the charge of the molecules and the placement of the electrodes. By comparing the DNA samples and controls, we were able to identify the culprit who stole my peanut butter.
Conclusion:
Gel electrophoresis is a powerful technique to visualize and separate nucleic acid molecules. By using DNA ladders and controls, we can analyze and interpret the results to identify DNA fragments of interest. In this lab, we successfully determined who stole my peanut butter using gel electrophoresis.