Sunday, April 01, 2007
Hey there!!
On friday, our biology tutor took us on an excursion to CSIRO sec to participate in a workshop on DNA and Gene Technology. It took about 15minutes to reach the place by bus. When we arrived, the first thing that we are thought on is how to use the "micro pipette" which measures solutions in micro litres. 10 micro litres is about 1 drop of water! LOL!! We have to master how to use the micro pipette first before we do the real experiment. First experiment was to seperate DNAs (agarose gel electrophoresis). We have to draw certain amount of DNA by using the micro pipette and mix it with a colour dye so the seperation of the DNA would be visible. Then we have to transfer the DNA into a special kind of agar jelly called agarose gel which has 5 small columns ( the columns are made using combs, the comb is place on the jelly while it settles)..transfering the DNA into the column is a very delicate work and your hands must be steady without letting smearing the solution around the gel!! The gel is already placed in a power pack which allows the DNA to separate (DNA moves frm negative to positive electrode) !
The next experiment we did was to transfer DNA into bacteria plasmids. Those who studied bio should be familiar with this experiment hehehehe. We have to make sure the area where we conduct the experiment must be sterilize! The area is sterilize by spraying ethanol around the area. we conduct the experiment under a Bunsen burner as well to keep the area sterilize and free from bacteria..we have to make sure every procedure is done right under the Bunsen burner at the same time make sure our hands are not to near the Bunsen burner or our gloves will melt!! haha. The experiment is again very delicate and we have to be fast. The bacteria is transfered to a plate which contains agar gel that has nutrients for the bacteria to grow. We get to bring each of our plates back..so i m wondering if my group's bacteria grow or not!?!?
Anyway the whole experience was great!
On saturday me and Kylie went to an Indian Food festival (Mela 2007 ) at Elders Park. Entrance fee for students cost $5! There were lots of food stalls, games and performance as well. hahaha me and Kylie went on food hunting! We walked around every stall, comparing prices and amounts..hahahaha..then only decide what to buy.
Mela 2007 at Elders Park
FOOD-aaaaa..... lamb masala with rice, um...i forgot the name of the bread which is eaten with curry lamb, the two triangle shape puffs has curry potatoes in it with peas.
Kylie and me~
Us enjoying our mango flavoured yogurt drink...i forgot what it is called ...my bad
ok...there was camel and Pony rides too!! $15 per-ride...hahaha...i dont dare to ride on the camel but cant help taking a pic of it! ........proud camel.............
4 more days and here comes Easter break..4 days of school and 4 days of Easter break...
On friday, our biology tutor took us on an excursion to CSIRO sec to participate in a workshop on DNA and Gene Technology. It took about 15minutes to reach the place by bus. When we arrived, the first thing that we are thought on is how to use the "micro pipette" which measures solutions in micro litres. 10 micro litres is about 1 drop of water! LOL!! We have to master how to use the micro pipette first before we do the real experiment. First experiment was to seperate DNAs (agarose gel electrophoresis). We have to draw certain amount of DNA by using the micro pipette and mix it with a colour dye so the seperation of the DNA would be visible. Then we have to transfer the DNA into a special kind of agar jelly called agarose gel which has 5 small columns ( the columns are made using combs, the comb is place on the jelly while it settles)..transfering the DNA into the column is a very delicate work and your hands must be steady without letting smearing the solution around the gel!! The gel is already placed in a power pack which allows the DNA to separate (DNA moves frm negative to positive electrode) !
The next experiment we did was to transfer DNA into bacteria plasmids. Those who studied bio should be familiar with this experiment hehehehe. We have to make sure the area where we conduct the experiment must be sterilize! The area is sterilize by spraying ethanol around the area. we conduct the experiment under a Bunsen burner as well to keep the area sterilize and free from bacteria..we have to make sure every procedure is done right under the Bunsen burner at the same time make sure our hands are not to near the Bunsen burner or our gloves will melt!! haha. The experiment is again very delicate and we have to be fast. The bacteria is transfered to a plate which contains agar gel that has nutrients for the bacteria to grow. We get to bring each of our plates back..so i m wondering if my group's bacteria grow or not!?!?
Anyway the whole experience was great!
On saturday me and Kylie went to an Indian Food festival (Mela 2007 ) at Elders Park. Entrance fee for students cost $5! There were lots of food stalls, games and performance as well. hahaha me and Kylie went on food hunting! We walked around every stall, comparing prices and amounts..hahahaha..then only decide what to buy.
Mela 2007 at Elders Park
FOOD-aaaaa..... lamb masala with rice, um...i forgot the name of the bread which is eaten with curry lamb, the two triangle shape puffs has curry potatoes in it with peas.
Kylie and me~
Us enjoying our mango flavoured yogurt drink...i forgot what it is called ...my bad
ok...there was camel and Pony rides too!! $15 per-ride...hahaha...i dont dare to ride on the camel but cant help taking a pic of it! ........proud camel.............
4 more days and here comes Easter break..4 days of school and 4 days of Easter break...
7:52 PM