Semester at a Glance....

This semester was very short, at least it seemed that way. We started out doing simple tests for our research project, but as the semester went on, we did things like PCR and gamma radiation tolerance. My favorite part of this class was being able to gain research experience. Many students lack this important and now, I have it and it will set me apart from the rest. Another nice factor of the lab is that the work we did may eventually get published in an IJSEM publication. This surely will set me apart from other students, if I decide to go to med school one day. My least favorite part of the lab was being there from 130-5pm every Monday and Wednesday, although some days went by fast. Throughout this semester, Dr. Rainey was very helpful. I’m extremely happy that all of our media was pre-made and we didn’t have to do it ourselves. I think that this is an important component of the lab. If we had to make the media ourselves, we would’ve lost a lot of time and wouldn’t have been able to do as many tests. I must say, in doing the different tests, many our plates were contaminated. In the beginning we may not have used proper streaking technique, but once contamination became too frequent, we did. Even though we used proper techniques we were still plagued by contamination. Every time, it was the same strains, those that grew on 1/10 PCA. I’m convinced that those strains are pure at all.
This past week we did tests such as caseinase, catalase, and oxidase. If the organism is able to break down caseinase a clearing will be seen in the opaque, white media. If the organism is positive for catalase bubbles of oxygen will be produced in the hydrogen peroxide. If an organism produces oxidase it will turn blue once inoculated with hydrogen peroxide. We had strains that were positive for all of these tests. The last day we talked about the dreaded final (just kidding you guys) and had frozen Krispey Kreme and had delicious Papa Johns pizza. I also bought popsicles. We all had a BLAST (get it), even though we waited 10 minutes for Larry to show up to class.... I enjoyed this class and I know that Rainey can't wait for his next 4126 class so that they can continue with this project.