Week 9

Week 9 has become the week dedicated to my analysis of my project. As this semester draws to a close and my projects data becomes clear how to interpret my data and explain my results. To begin my experiment I identified the bacteria which was given to me as an unknown, through a series of tests and a couple inconclusive tests I identified Bacillus subtilis was my unknown bacteria. Knowing the bacteria which I was working with I proceeded to perform a DNA extraction of my bacteria using 2 kits, from these 2 kits I would be able to compare quantity vs quality of the DNA. I reviewed the DNA extraction protocol for the E.Z.N.A. Bacterial DNA kit, but prior to beginning the DNA extraction I was prompted to a similar experiment that would yield results for a better purpose. My experiment was slightly altered, from comparing the DNA extractions of 2 kits to comparing the DNA extraction of 1 kit to the DNA extraction using egg white lysozymes. I would now test the DNA kit and egg white on my new day 1 of the experiment to set a bench mark or baseline for DNA extraction yields. Followed by a DNA extraction using the egg white every week after to gather data on the shelf life of the egg white lysozyme.

Week 10

The research phase of my experiment is officially over, as I analyze the data I come to realize egg white is not viable for a long time. To be exact egg white lysozyme is of no use after 1 week. The sample from Bacillus subtilis has come out a yield rate of less than half. This week has been dedicated to my research paper and formatting the data properly so others can understand the protocol I used. Without being able to fully explain my process and having someone reattempt my experiment I cannot prove a successful experiment.  I believe the most important thing to learn here is not the actual experiment but the process of a science experiment: trial and error, questioning steps and how they work, but most important of all to me would be the ability to hand some one else my notebook and they can use what i have done not only as an example but a guide to conduct the experiment. I have to admit my notebook this semester is not the cleanest, nor is it detailed enough for someone to repeat my experiment. In time I plan on taking this mistake and all other mistakes I have made throughout this semester and finding how I can do what I did wrong better next time.