SDU-Denmark/7 July 2010

In the Lab:

Experiments
We are apparently having problems with our PCR since no PCR has worked for the last two days. This has resulted in three failed PCR experiments:
-pSB1A2
-pSB1A3
-Genomic purification

We had some succes with minipreps, and now have plasmids pSB1A2 and pSB1A3 ready for assemblies.

We made six batches of competent cells, and made two transformations:
-pBad L-arabinose inducible promoter
-cambridge beta-carotene biosynthesis operon
9 colonies of each were plated ON along with a positive and negative control. More transformations will follow tomorrow.

Phototaxis:
Progress Report: We have not yet established contact with Spudich Lab, who are in possesion of strains with the physical DNA we need. Our cDNA from the Drosophila registry hasn't been ordered either.

We might have to make the fusion protein ourselves. We are therefore looking into protocols for growing halobacteria. The ones we are interested, N. Pharaonis are apparently not able to grow well in standard agar, as they require large salt concentrations, and don't run on glucose since their glycolysis is non-functional.

no real work has been done with regards to the retinal brick.

Working Hypothesis no changes here.