Monday, August 13

Crocin Extraction

To accurately verify that our construct is indeed producing zeaxanthin, spectrophotometry must be used to characterize our biobrick part. To this end, we tested crocin in two different solvents, along with our Z^2 construct, compared to the absorption spectrum of zeaxanthin in hexane.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/88390549/CrocinGraphs.png

This indicates that our Z^2 construct isn't actually producing crocin, or if it is, the crocin isn't expressed highly enough to absorb significantly.

Saffron in a Kan

We also PCR'd the Z construct with the TOPO vector. We then digested the results with both EcoRI and PstI, as shown below, and saw that the PCR had indeed succeded.

Tuesday, August 14

Wednesday, August 15

Thursday, August 16

Friday, August 17