Today, we learned to adjust and use micropipettors, which are used to measure very small amounts of liquid very precisely. We then used these skills to transfer genes to E. coli bacteria. If our procedure worked properly, we should have fluorescent and antibiotic-resistant bacteria by tomorrow.
Our materials for the gene transfer
We practiced using micropipettors to place small amounts of liquid on the sides of microfuge tubes to prevent them from mixing before they should.
We used nichrome wires to spread bacteria on agar inside the Petri dishes.
Sterilizing the nichrome wire with a Bunsen burner.