To Gene or Not to Gene: That is the Question

a. Background

DNA testing exposes a certain DNA sequence out of a genome, and this can be helpful to identify certain disease carrying genes. The genome is our hereditary code and it conists of every gene in our body. The genes code for all of our characteristics and traits, including physical and some mental qualities. Molecular Biology is the study of our genes and the molecular details that maintain the flow of genetic information changing from DNA==> RNA==> proteins. PCR has allowed the process of DNA sequencing, and it is a process that amplifies a section of DNA. PCR has changed genetic research in many ways, such as: gene mapping; cloning; DNA sequencing; and gene detection.

b. Purpose

The purpose of this lab is to uncover whether or not a gene is "turned on" in somebody's DNA. Specifically for our lab and the gene that we are isolating, the gene would be interesting to study for migration patterns and evolution. If we  used other genes, such as Huntingtons Disease, we would be able to see if someone carries the gene in their genetic makeup.

c. Procedure

This lab is a 3 day process. On Day 1 we will extract DNA from our cheek cells. By biting the inside of our lip lightly, the membrane will break up. Then, the gene is put into a vile and it is put into a warm water bath. The temperature should be set at 95 degrees celsius. Then, the instagene matrix beads are added. This is to insure that DNAse is killed. On Day 2 of the lab, we will undergo PCR. The steps of PCR are: The DNA strand is denatured at 94 degrees C; then the anneal primers are set to 60 degrees C; then the primer attaches and so does the Taq polymerase, and the temperature is set to 72 degrees; then the cycle is repeated 40 times. For the ingredients, the primer targets the "disease gene". There are 2 versions of this gene, the long and the short. Together, they are heterozygous. On Day 3, we put the DNA fragments through gel electrophoresis and view the results.

d. :((( MADDY HAS THE DISEASE!!!! NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!We are all very sad about this. She was in row 6 for gel electrophoresis and her results showed up to have the gene. The rest of us didn't have this gene, but that doesn't mean that we weren't carriers for the gene.

e. Our sources of error for this lab could have been to suck up all the matrix beads. Also, it could have been possible that our cheek cells were not loosened enough so we wouldn't have had a big enough sample to run in the gel electrophoresis.