The Open University 360 lab tour

Summary

Dr. Janet Sumner joins Dr. Rob Saunders in a 360-degree immersive tour of a molecular biology lab, highlighting key research processes. They explore essential equipment, including centrifuges, PCR machines, gel electrophoresis for DNA and protein analysis, and various storage methods. The tour touches on scientific techniques such as DNA amplification, protein identification through antibodies, and DNA visualization using fluorescent dyes. Dr. Sumner also discusses the significance of these processes in fields like cancer research and forensics, offering a comprehensive look into the daily workings of a cutting-edge life sciences lab.

Takeaways

• 😀 Dr. Janet Sumner introduces the lab tour, explaining that while she is a scientist, she's not a biologist, and is joined by Dr. Rob Saunders for the experience.
• 😀 The lab is a hub for research involving biochemical and molecular genetic studies, with open-plan spaces for multiple research groups.
• 😀 Materials used in the lab often come from other facilities, such as cell culture labs, for further analysis.
• 😀 Centrifuges of various sizes are used to separate biological particles and materials based on size and density.
• 😀 Larger centrifuges are needed for handling large volumes of samples, especially when isolating DNA from bacterial cells grown in larger cultures.
• 😀 The lab features basic laboratory equipment, including whirly mixers, smaller centrifuges, and heating blocks used for incubation of samples at various temperatures.
• 😀 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) machines are essential for amplifying small DNA amounts, a technique widely used in cancer research, forensic biology, and genetic studies.
• 😀 Gel electrophoresis is employed to separate biological molecules like DNA and proteins by size and charge, often using radioactive tracers or antibodies for detection.
• 😀 The lab employs both radioactive tracers and safer antibody techniques to identify proteins, with antibodies offering a more reliable and safer method.
• 😀 Gel electrophoresis uses agaroose gels for separating DNA, with the results visualized using fluorescent dyes or UV light to determine DNA presence, size, and quantity.
• 😀 The lab uses various types of freezers for material storage, including ultra-low temperature freezers for long-term storage of bacterial samples, DNA, and other biological materials.
• 😀 The lab tour concludes by emphasizing the variety of standard equipment used for molecular biology research, including stereo microscopes for dissections and various gel kits.

Q & A

What is the focus of the laboratory Dr. Rob Saunders is showing in the video?

The laboratory focuses on biochemical and molecular genetic research. It is used by multiple research groups for analyzing biological molecules, particularly by separating them into their components using various techniques.

Why are different sizes of centrifuges used in the lab?

Different sizes of centrifuges are used to separate biological particles and materials based on their size and density. Higher-speed centrifuges are used for smaller, less dense particles, while larger ones are used for larger samples like those from cell cultures.

What is the purpose of using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the lab?

PCR is used to amplify small amounts of DNA to quantities that can be analyzed. It's especially useful for identifying mutations in genes, such as those in cancer research or forensic biology, like DNA fingerprinting.

How does gel electrophoresis work in the laboratory?

Gel electrophoresis separates biological molecules, such as DNA and proteins, by applying an electric current to a gel matrix. The molecules are separated based on size and charge, allowing researchers to analyze specific components.

What safety measures are in place when using radioactive tracers in the lab?

The lab has a dedicated, closed-off area for working with radioactive tracers to prevent contamination with general lab activities. This ensures safety when using radioactive materials to label and track biological molecules.

What alternative methods have replaced radioactive tracers in the lab?

Antibodies, derived from the mammalian immune system, are now used to recognize specific regions of proteins. This method is safer, as it eliminates the need for dealing with radioactive materials.

Why is the gel matrix used for electrophoresis made with a high degree of purity?

The gel matrix is made with high purity to ensure that the DNA extracted from it is suitable for further analysis. The gel needs to be free of contaminants to achieve accurate and clean results when studying the biological samples.

How is DNA visualized in the laboratory?

DNA is typically visualized by staining it with a fluorescent dye. The dye glows orange under ultraviolet light, which allows researchers to see if the DNA is present in the expected quantities and sizes.

What is the significance of using a UV spectrophotometer in the lab?

A UV spectrophotometer is used to measure the absorbance of ultraviolet light in biological samples. It helps determine whether there is enough DNA or protein in the sample to continue with further analysis.

How long can biological materials be stored in the laboratory's freezers?

Biological materials such as bacterial samples and DNA can be stored indefinitely in the lab's freezers, especially at temperatures as low as -80°C. DNA is particularly stable and can last for long periods when stored in the right conditions.