That One "Disease"...

Introduction

A: Background Information
        In this lab, DNA is the most important factor. To get this DNA, one will get their own cheek cells to obtain the DNA from it. These cheek cells are transfered to a micro tube with InstaGene Matrix which is used to get the DNA by itself by killing enzymes such as DNAse. However, the DNA which has been obtained is much too small to see, hence PCR is used. PCR is the amplification and copy of a single piece of DNA (or a gene) multiple times so it can be used or seen. The complementary DNA strand hybridization and DNA strand synthesis via DNA polymerase. Once the PRC is done, loading dye will be added to the DNA sample for the gel electrophoresis to test to see which matches to the DNA sample.

B: Objective & Purpose
        The purpose of this lab is to take a tiny bit of DNA and amplify so that there is a lot more. This can help in almost any kind of biological industry. For example, in forensic science the process of this lab can be used to get DNA and PCR it for more information to see if it matches suspects or victims. In paternity testing these steps can be used to find out who the father of the child is, in addition to pre-implantation genetic diagnosis where the gene is tested, PCR and scanned for diseases. 

C: Procedures
         On day one, each person in the lab group will collect their own DNA through their cheek cells using the saline mixture provided. Afterward, the group will centrifuge their DNA so the actual DNA reaches the bottom. Once the DNA is obtained, it will be placed in a 95 degree water bath to break open the membrane. InstaGene Matrix will be added next to kill the DNAse which can kill DNA. At the end of day one, the DNA tubes are placed in a 100 degree water bath. On day two, the group will PCR their DNA. The PCR is used the mass produce the DNA and the goal is to multiply the gene so that in the next day it can be visualize through gene electrophoresis. Hence, on day three, the group will visual their results after putting all the variables, controls, and the marker in the gel electrophoresis. Finally, the argose gel will be taken out and the results will be reviewed to see which lab members have the "disease"!


D: Controls, Variables & Prediction
          The controls in this lab is the DNA marker. The other controls are the Homozygous (+/+), Homozygous (-/-) and the Heterozygous (+/-). Those are used to compare to the variables, which is the DNA that is tested. I do not have a prediction for this lab since it can go 50/50 on whether or not the DNA has a "disease" or not, since we do not know what it is testing for.


Observations: 

Discussion:
A: Analyze and Explain Data
          The DNA which my lab group obtained was that Nick did not have the "disease", Trevor was a carrier of the "disease", and I had the "disease". We figured out this information by looking at the results from our DNA through gel electrophoresis and the markers which stood as controls for each of those. Since each of us matched up to something different, we figured out which of us had as the "disease".


B: Possible Sources of Error
        Some possible sources of error for this lab are if one did not extract enough cells from their checks, in addition to not centerfuging for enough time. Once those steps are done, one can also make a mistake by placing the marker or the controls incorrectly in the gel electrophoresis which would completely ruin all of the results.