1. University of Puerto Rico - Cayey
RISE Program
Template for Laboratory Summaries of Assignment 1 Biol. 4997-Biomedical
Techniques
Due date February 22, 2013
Reg.# 7 Name Juan Enrique Maldonado Weng Date: February 19, 2013
Summary 1. Importance and Pipetting Practice January 25, 2013
In this laboratory workshop, our goal was to refine our skills in micro-pippetting. These skills will be very
important for future workshops in where accuracy is a key factor. These simple yet precise instruments are
incredibly valuable in most fields of research. Most researchers utilize these tools for transferring delicate
solutions as well as precisely injecting it into another source. I was very careful handling such delicate
equipment for if I were to decalibrate the pippets, a big portion of the RISE Program funding would be used
to fix it. We were very successful in completing the transfer of liquids in both large and small quantities.
The technique of micro-pippetting requires one to recognize the appropriate timing. It is important to be able
to handle the sensitivity of the button and to move the pippete further downwards the container of the
solution to avoid bubbles. The colors, as a result of transferring colored water, were amazing and
fascinating to observe.
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Summary 2. Microscopy and Photomicrography February 1, 2013
. One of the objectives of this lab was to learn how to use a phase contrast microscope by examining a
specimen under it. Another challenge I had was to instruct a lab mate on how to use a bright field
microscope for their specimen. Guiding others could be treacherous, if not dealt with carefully. Luckily,
being taught previously by my mentor, Giovanni Cruz, helped a lot when having to teach my colleague.
After successfully teaching my lab mate on how to use a bright field microscope, I began to work by
searching for saccharomyces. As I set out to find saccharomyces, I was filled with excitement and curiosity
Obtaining those microorganisms was a tricky task. It was to be obtained from yeast while in a sugar
solution. After extracting the cells, I was taught to use phase contrast microscopy. Phase contrast is an
interesting tool since it can manipulate light and includes multiple filters for more dynamic perspectives. It
was spectacular. Seeing many of those cells together was like observing a busy city. In the end, it was a
fun worthwhile experience.

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Summary 3. Workshop UNC - From DNA to Protein February 14, 15 and 16, 2013
In this weekend long workshop, the objectives were to understand DNA and proteins, and learn forms of
application for the future. For DNA, the technique of PCR was used to amply a strand of the genetic code to
test if the patient had diabetes. A personal collection of DNA, which was very interesting, was done with
saliva and a few other solutions to break down the cell and retrieve the DNA. For proteins, an SDS-Page
was done in order to test the patient for LSD (lysosomal storage disease). This experiment, as well as
testing DNA, required the use of electrophoresis gel which separates molecules based on their charge using
an electric source. Then for the testing, a comparison between controls was needed. (There are the
positive control, which needs a band with the condition; the negative control, which is to test if there is any
other form of contamination; and the experimental control, which is the one being tested). This was a very
active way to spend the weekend and a good way to refresh the skills for PCR and electrophoresis. These
skills will be very useful in future testing when looking for genetically altering conditions and in searching for
beneficial proteins.
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