On the Second Day of Biotech Our Instructor Gave to Us Two Quick Labs and a Lecture on Replication

Did you know that proteins are composed of amino acids joined together by peptide bonds, and that the order of the amino acids used gives each protein its unique properties? I used to know that, but I didn't remember it until we were given a refresher today by Ms. Hall.

But before that, the first thing that we did in class today was to prepare for our labs. We learned about proper usage of laboratory equipment, from the P20 micropipettes to the P1000 pipettes. We also practiced standard procedures for sterilizing equipment by flaming them to kill off harmful bacteria, either to protect ourselves or to keep the experiment from being contaminated. We then also learned to use a centrifuge to condense material, which we will also use in tomorrow's experiment with DNA. Then we prepared agar plates with E. Coli, for tomorrow's experiment. It was slightly difficult because the loop used to spread the E. Coli was awkward to use. But eventually I got the job done. We have a test tomorrow in the afternoon and more labs to prepare for.

Campus life is fun, because we can meet with people from all across the world, and their perspectives on the things we take for granted are always very interesting. Thank you for this opportunity to expand not only my horizons, but also my viewpoints, as I am learning not only from the class, but from my interactions with others.