all good things must come to an END!!!

So this week was rather bitter sweet. On Monday there were two presentations. First there was the qPCR presentation, presented by Jun. Last, but definitely not least came Larry's presentation on his his new found species, Geodermatophilus geauxtigeris. I learned a few things about qPCR (Quantitative PCR). First, qPCR cannot combine with single stranded DNA. However, it can combine with double stranded DNA. When attached to double stranded DNA it absorbs light at 488 nanometers, and emits light at 520 nanometers. The advantage of qPCR is it can recognize the presence of and quantify the target gene. In addition, I learned a few new things about an unknown species from the family of Geodermatophilaceae thanks to Mr. Roach.
In addition to presentations we streaked our strains unto plates which contained casein and performed catalase and oxidase test. Catalase test was performed by adding a loop full of the strain to hydrogen peroxide, and checking for bubbles. The oxidase test was performed by adding an solution to and checking for the formation of a color.
Wednesday brought on the tears. We got good news as well as bad. The good news was that Lauren had been accepted into med school (YAY LAUREN)...however, the bad news was that we may never be able to work alongside each other again :(
All in all this has been a great semester and I love all of you!!!!♥