Sometimes you need to find a primer. Not just any primer but a specific one. This is a small post concerning the development and acquisition of a specific primer for a portion of the clathrin protein. Clathrin is a protein that plays a key role in the process of endocytosis. It’s main function being to coat the inward bound lipid bilayer as it enters inwards into the cell. Its triskelion shape enables it to have the flexibility and reach needed for this specific function. Continue Reading
Biochemistry
Analysis of Photosynthetic Membranes & Energy Production in Plants
Basis in Organelle Isolation, Photosynthesis Controls, and Membrane Energy Analysis with 2,4-Dinitrophenol Inhibitor
Abstract
Photosynthesis is a vital chemical reaction for plants. The Hill reaction plays an important role in the overall scheme, transferring electrons, cleaving water, and consequently freeing oxygen. Effects of the inhibitor molecule 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) on multiple isolated chloroplast concentrations were assayed using a redox dye, 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol (DCPIP). Suspected results proved true, with the expected outcomes showing the inhibitor to hinder photosynthetic reactions. The reduction of DCPIP was shown to cease throughout each sample where the inhibitor was added, showing a significant decrease in the reaction rate for chloroplasts.
A Study on the Isolation & Analysis of Nucleic Acids
Basis in Isolation, Ultraviolet Spectroscopy, Restriction Endonuclease Digestions, Ligations, Hyperchromic Effect, Florescence Spectroscopy, and Agarose Gel Electrophoresis
Abstract
The quantitative analysis of nucleic acid samples can offer up insights into samples with unknown properties. In this brief study multiple techniques are utilized to isolate, quantify, and discern nucleic acid residues from Escherichia coli (E. coli) plasmids. Restriction digests and hyperchromic assays were also developed. Results for the restriction digest were not conclusive, but the hyperchromic effect was observed in both RNA and DNA as expected. The denaturant study with NaOH saw an interesting result, with RNA showing little change in spectroscopic absorbance, while DNA showed a drastic increase. Continue Reading