1. University of Puerto Rico - Cayey
RISE Program
Template for Laboratory Summaries of Assignment 1 Biol. 4997-Biomedical Techniques
Due date February 17, 2012
Reg.# 5 Name Angélica M. González Sánchez Date: February 12, 2012.
Paragraph 1. Microscopy and Photomicrography
In our first laboratory we had Dr. Robert Ross as our guest teacher. He was in charge of teaching us
everything concerning microscopes, micro-techniques and photomicrography. First, he defined mounting
micro-techniques used to prepare a sample for observation under a microscope. Some of these
techniques are the whole mount, the squash, and the smear. Additionally, Dr. Ross taught us about
microscopes and their purposes. We also learned about photomicrography and how to manage its
equipment. This laboratory also gave us awareness about the applications and implications of
microscopy, as for example to observe microorganisms for biomedical studies that could lead to a better
comprehension of diseases caused by bacteria. To put in practice some of these applications, we made a
special project out of the classroom. It consisted in taking a microscopic picture of an organism and later
on presenting it to our classmates further. In conclusion, in this lab I learned very useful techniques
which I will probably be applying in research. Overall, this experience was very satisfying because it was
both academically enriching and entertaining.
Paragraph 2. Measurements - Micropipettes and Aseptic techniques.
In our second laboratory we worked with measurements, micro-pipets, Microbiology and aseptic
techniques. Our objective was to manage correctly the equipment used for measurements and to
promote correct aseptic techniques. First, we were instructed on the use of micro-pipets and practiced
measuring small quantities of liquids using this equipment. Moreover, Dr. Ross taught us about the
different types of bacteria. He described many of their characteristics and showed us various techniques
to study them. Some of these are the isolation of a bacteria colony by making a culture with smear and
the staining of bacteria. We also learned how to sterilize the equipment used when working with micro-
organisms. Along with the learning experience, we had the opportunity to practice what we learned. We
observed bacteria slides, made a bacteria culture on our own and prepared a slide with bacteria for
observation. This laboratory helped me to review and to learn techniques which have meaningful
implications and applications in Microbiology studies that would lead to a better understanding of
epidemic diseases.
Paragraph 3. Workshop UNC – From DNA to Protein.
On our UNC workshop, we learned many topics concerning DNA, proteins, and cancer. The main
objective of this workshop was to let us know about translational medicine. During the different
conferences, we got detailed information about this area of research, which is in charge of applying
scientific knowledge for the development of new medical therapies. First of all, we learned about cancer
and its terrible implications in people’s lives, such as death. Then, we had the opportunity to extract our
own DNA. We also learned about DNA, genes and oncogenes. To apply what we learned, we made a
polymerase chain reaction and observed DNA with electrophoresis to see if our assigned gene was
oncogenic. Moreover, we studied proteins and oncoproteins. To practice we did an electrophoresis of
proteins and compared the results with a western blot analysis. As a whole, this workshop had several
implications and applications. The topics and techniques presented are definitely relevant for actual
biomedical research that will lead to a deeper comprehension of diseases on which DNA and proteins
play crucial roles, as for example in cancer.