26 April 2024
By: Ashley Bass and Corbin Carlson
Since our last post, we have learned many more new skills in the lab. In order to provide a base for our further research on ZBTB11 and BID genes in the green anoles, we have been introduced to numerous protocols. This has allowed us to be more confident as we look forward to the next steps of our research in the coming fall semester.
In lab, we have been introduced to PCR clean up. This process grants us the ability to isolate and purify DNA and remove any unwanted substances. Additionally, we have dedicated immense amounts of time to RNA isolations of both green anole liver and brain tissue. RNA isolations are conducted to separate and purify RNA from any given tissue. Throughout this process we have been introduced to new instruments, exercised our ability to work in the hood, and work quickly and efficiently. They demand precision and the ability to work in a timely manner, as there are many factors that contribute to successful RNA isolation. We have continued to be tenacious throughout learning these new procedures with our end goal perpetually in mind.
As we wrap up this semester in our RISEBio research, we reflect on the progress we have made not just as RISEBio students, but researchers as well. Throughout the semester, we’ve developed many common skills and knowledge needed in labs, from pipetting to using technology like the centrifuge and the Nanodrop. We’ve been challenged from easy to follow procedures, to longer, more intricately delicate procedures that tests our intuition and abilities. Now that we have finished these steps, the challenge onward looks more manageable, and allows us to look forward to the autumn, when we concentrate our efforts on cDNA synthesis for our isolated mRNA (the process of converting mRNA into DNA) and quantifying how much of our chosen BID & ZBTB11 genes are expressed between breeding and non-breeding males and females of the green anole lizards through a qPCR.
