This week, we performed restriction digestion and gel electrophoresis (to visualize DNA fragments as artistic patterns). First, we designed my gel art using Benchling and selected restriction enzymes to cut DNA at specific sequences.

We then prepared a 1% agarose gel by dissolving agarose in TAE buffer, adding DNA stain, and allowing it to set in a mold with wells. Next, I set up the restriction digest by mixing DNA, enzyme buffer, and restriction enzymes, then incubated it at 37°C.

Once digested, we mixed the samples with loading dye and loaded them into the gel wells alongside a DNA ladder for size reference. Running the gel at 120V for ~30 minutes separated the DNA fragments based on size, with smaller fragments traveling further.

Finally, we used a blue light transilluminator to capture an image of the separated bands, confirming that my restriction digest worked correctly and comparing the pattern to my design.

Reaction Setup Table

Volumes of water, DNA, enzyme buffer, and enzymes needed for each restriction digest reaction (EcoRI, HindIII, BamHI, etc.).

Agarose Gel Reagents

Bottle of 1× TAE buffer, agarose powder in a small jar, a scale for weighing agarose, and a handheld micropipette.

Enzymes on Ice

Ice bucket containing multiple labeled tubes (restriction enzymes, buffers, and other reagents) kept chilled during the setup.

Dissolved Agarose and Gel Box