1. Nicolle A. Rosa Mercado
Workshop Summaries
UPR Cayey
Biol.4997
Prof. E. Diaz and Prof. E. Gonzalez
1) Importance and Pipetting Practice
In this laboratory we reviewed pipetting concepts. We did large and small volume exercises with a
focus on micro-pipets. Concepts, such as the uses of the first and second stops, were discussed. It is
very important to keep these concepts fresh due to the fact that they are the most practiced
laboratory techniques. Pipetting is the key to any experiment because, if the amount measured is not
precise or if the pipet is contaminated with another substance, everything might go wrong. The
exercises were verified based on the color obtained at the end. The amount was verified by (setting
the micro-pipettes to the total amount of substances that were placed in the tube to ensure that the
amounts were measures accurately.
2) Microscopy and Photomicrography
During this laboratory, microscopy and micro-techniques were reviewed. It is of uttermost
importance for every scientist to know how to work with a microscope. Microscopes provide great
evidence of discoveries that have been made. They are also very helpful for studying different
microscopic organisms, such as bacteria. Here we reviewed the uses of different parts of the
microscope. We also learned how to take pictures using QCapture. The class was divided into four
groups and each learned a different micro-technique. Each individual was assigned to teach another
student how to use the technique he had learned. My task consisted of learning how to use a
fluorescence microscope to teach the technique to one of my colleagues. I was taught how to use the
phase-contrast microscope. In conclusion, each student learned how to work with two different
micro-techniques and reviewed the uses of the microscope’s parts.
3) Workshop UNC - From DNA to Protein
In this three day laboratory experience we were taught several genomics and proteomics techniques.
We reviewed techniques such as agarose gel electrophoresis and SDS-PAGE. The first day of the
workshop we were taught how to extract our own DNA using easy-to-find products. During the
second day, we ran a PCR and read the results through agarose gel electrophoresis. The
representatives of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill also helped us review the central
dogma of biology and how these procedures work. The third day we spoke about proteins and their
importance in lysosomal storage disorders. We discussed how to prepare SDS-PAGE, Western
Blots, and Coomassie stains. These techniques are very common laboratory tools. They are very
important in biology and, specifically, in genetics because they help scientists to differentiate genes
and proteins due to characteristics, such as their size, that can only be observed by using these tools.
A person who knows how to do these techniques has a great advantage in the scientific community.