Candy Electrophoresis Lab

        We completed a gel electrophoresis lab using dyes in candy and dyes given to us by the teacher. We prepared the dyes then set them to move through a certain gel to see which ones move faster and which ones move slower. The faster ones were the ones with smaller molecules, and our fastest was yellow 5. The slower ones were the dyes with larger molecules, and our slowest was the candy dye from blue m&m's.
        I believe citrus red 2 would move like yellow 5 because they are both small and thin, betanin would move like yellow 6 because it is long and narrow, carminic acid would move like blue candy dye from m&m's because it is wide and large, and fast green would move like purple skittles dye because it is very wide.
        I believe there are artificial food colors in dog food too to make the food appear more edible and the color could attract the dog.

Recombinant DNA Lab

On January 13th, 2016, we did a recombinant DNA lab since we recently learned about recombinant DNA. My partner and I chose to use the kanamycin restriction enzyme for our project. Restriction enzymes are enzymes that cut DNA when they read a specific sequence. The enzyme had to cut near the insulin gene. If we had used an enzyme that cut the plasmid in two places, part of the plasmid sequence would be lost and it would not work. This process is important to everyday life because everyday new antibiotics are created and this process helps. This process could also be used to make mutant animals. Imagine seeing a monkey-elephant walking down the street. That would be awesome. Very awesome. Or seeing a tiny, bacteria sized dog. That would be cute.

                                                

New Year´s Goals

        In the year of 2016, I will get a higher grade than a B- in my biology class. I will do this by turning in my homework on time and studying the topics that I have trouble fully understanding. I will study for at least an hour for all of the quizzes and tests, and I will manage time better. I will work hard and earn higher grades.

        In 2016, I will also become more flexible. I will be able to do the splits both ways by summer and I will be able to touch my nose to my knees. I will stretch every day possible for at least fifteen minutes and I will be able to do split leaps and jumps for winter guard.