The purpose of the PCR reaction was to test for the presence of dsDNA in the samples from two patients. The following materials from lab A were needed in order to perform the PCR reaction. First we cut the strip of eight PCR tubes into two strips of four test tubes, this was done in order to fit the test tubes into the PCR machine. After that the test tubes were labeled with a sharpie in order to indicate the identity of the tube. The identity of the tube was very important to keep track of because if the tube was mislabeled it would of caused inaccurate results. The test tubes were labeled as follows G13 +, G13 -, G13 1-1, G13 1-2, G13 1-3, G13 2-1, G13 2-2, and G13 2-3. The group number was labeled because two groups used one PCR machine and the patient and DNA sample number needed to be labeled in order to have accurate results. After that 50 micro-leters of PCR mix was pipetted into each test tube by going to the first stop outside of the test tube. Then placing it inside the test tube then releasing the stop removing the pipette and finally injecting to the second stop into the desired test tube. After each addition the tip was discarded into the waste cup and a new tip was placed on. After that 50 micro-liters of the positive control was pipetted into the positive control test tube creating a solution of 100 micro-liters. This was then done for the negative control, patient 1 replicates 1-3, and patient 2 replicates 1-3. The resulting solution for each test tube was then 100 micro-liters. The eight test tubes were then placed into the PCR machine, the OpenPCR program was then set, the lid was closed and the reaction began.
Fluorimeter Procedure
Smart phone set-up
For this experiment our group used a smart phone to take images of the PCR drop. First a group member with the best camera on their phone was chosen to be the photographer. The phone's settings were changed to:
flash was first inactivated
ISO to 800 or higher
White balance on auto
Exposure on highest setting
Saturation on the highest setting
Contrast to lowest setting
After the settings were changed the camera was placed facing the long side of the glass slide in order to get the image of the drop being illuminated. The stand that held it kept the phone at an angle that made the camera 4cm away from the glass slide. The distance of the camera to the drop was kept constant for the entire experiment.
Placing Samples onto the Fluorimeter
Make sure all required materials are set and ready for use to complete the experiment. Set the mircopipette device to a volume of 80 micro-liters. Before beginning label all 8 empty tubes appropriately with one labeled for positive control and another for negative control. The remaining 6 split in half between two patients, patient 1 and patient 2.
Using the 8 empty tubes
Place a sterile tip onto the pipette
Go to the first stop of the pipette and place it into the solution of 5 micrograms/mL of Calf thymus DNA solution and release.
Place the pipette tip onto the surface of the plate in between the dots and go to the first stop in a controlled manner in order to eject the solution to form a drop.
Discard the tip into the disposable waste container.
Place a new tip onto the pipette.
Go to first stop of the pipette and place it into the solution of SYBR Green I, and release.
Take the pipette out and go to first stop in a controlled manner over the bubble in order to inject 80 micro-liters into the bubble forming a 160 micro-liter bubble. Then discard the tip.
Place the box over the light box and phone and close the lid.
Make sure the phone camera is 4cm away from the bubble. Then take three pictures of the bubble.
Remove the bubble and move the glass slide over to the next gap.
Repeat this procedure for the 2, 1, 0.5, 0.25, and 0 micrograms/mL of Calf Thymus DNA solution.
The same procedure was adopted for the PCR which consisted of the eight test tubes containing the positive control, negative control, the three samples from patient one, and the three samples form patient two. 100 micro-liters of each marked test tube of PCR was placed into there respected test tubes contianing 500 micro-liters of buffer in order to insure that we would not run out of PCR. Hence, the SYBR Green I was injected to form a bubble and the PCR was injected into it creating a 160 micro-liter bubble. Also a new tip was used for every injection of PCR into their respected test tubes containing buffers. Also, a new tip was used for every injection in order to form a bubble.
Data Collection and Analysis
Images of High, Low, and Zero Calf Thymus DNA
High Calf Thymus
Low Calf Thymus
Zero Calf Thymus
Calibration Means
Initial Concentration of 2X Calf Thymus DNA solution (micrograms/mL)
Final DNA concentration in SYBR Green I solution (µg/mL)
BME 100 Spring 2016
