Rohith Kaliyur Properties of Algae Block 3 Individual Procedure Design Process 1

In this post I am primarily going to describe one of the procedures that I have designed, and subsequently going to mention any further inquiries or procedures that I am looking into. The procedure will not be super detailed, however, it will be fully operational, and if finalized on, 100% useful. The procedure I will be describing is for analysis of ribosomal and DNA characteristics in algae. This is an extremely difficult process to carry out and there is no guarantee that it will even work. Nonetheless, I have decided to integrate it as the analysis is seemingly very attractive.

• Procedure for Performing Gel Electrophoresis in Algae:Obtain the following materials: Electrophoresis chamber, gel form and comb, electrophoresis power supply, agar gel (preparation for this is not described but is also a process), salt solution, algal strains to use as samples, sample loading device, masking tape.

• Dissolve the agar, cool the solution, and pour the gel.

Combine agar and water. Bring the mixture to a boil and heat until the agar is dissolved

Cool the agar until you can comfortably touch the flask.

Place tape across the ends of the gel form (if needed) and place the comb in the form.

Pour cooled agar into the form; the bottom 1/3-1/2 of the comb should be immersed.

Immediately rinse and fill the agar flask with hot water to dissolve any remaining agar.

When the agar has solidified, carefully remove the comb.

Remove the tape (if used) from the ends of the gel form.

•  Load samples in the wells with the gel

Make a written record of which sample you will load in each well of the gel.

Place the gel form on a black or dark surface to help you see the wells in the agar.

You may find it helpful to only load samples in every other well.

Be careful to not puncture the bottoms of the wells 

Place the gel in the electrophoresis chamber with the wells closest to the negative (black) electrode

Prepare the salt solution and add it to the chamber.

Add salt to tap water and swirl it to dissolve.

Fill each half of the chamber, adding solution until it is close to the top of the gel. Then gently

flood the gel from the end opposite the wells to minimize sample diffusion 

• Place the lid on the chamber and connect the electrode leads to the power supply 
• Turn on the power supply and adjust the voltage to 50-100 volts
• Run the gel for 5-10 minutes

Ultimately, at the end of this procedure, a particular light differential should be observed. This can be translated into particular RNA and DNA sequences that will better the global understanding of algae.
My inquiries and further explorations involve altering lipid concentrations within algae, simulating glycolysis within algae, or trying to manipulate the photosynthesis of algae in some way or form. It is very possible that I choose not to implement any of these ideas.