Keyondra Boston
Gel Electrophoresis
For several of the lab courses that I have taken (Biomolecules, Biochemistry and Investigation and Research) we used gel electrohoresis in our experiments. Electrophoresis uses an agarose or polyacrylamide matrix along with an electrical current to separate macromolecules, such as DNA and proteins , on the basis on size and charge.
Microtomy
In Histology lab we studied the tissues of mice. In order to obeserve the tissues under a microscope they had to be first sliced into very thin layers. This cutting was accomplished using the microtome. The microtome mounts the tissue, encased in a paraffin block, in place and uses a very sharp blade to shave off thin sections of the tissue that can then be stained and observed under the microscope.
Microscopy
The most important tool in the lab is the microscope. It allows us too see the many small cells, molecules and microorganisms that would otherwise be invisible to the naked eye. I used the microscope in almost every lab course to help gather data from and draw conclusions about preformed experiments
Staining
Since many of the cells and organisms and we work with in the lab are transparent they must be stained in order to be seen under the microscope. Because we use light microscopes in the lab there must be some contrast added to some portion of what we are observing in order to draw conclusions and determine results. I have preformed basic and specialized stains for microorganisms and also used basic and special stains for cellular and tissue staining.
Chromatography
I used chromatography in both biology and chemistry courses. Chromatography allows for the separation of molecules based on a variety of properties including charge, size, affinity and polarity. Affinity chromatography can also be used to purify a sample. Thin Layer Chromatography (pictured above) separates molecules on the basis on polarity and can be used to check the purity of a purified sample.