Mutant Woes -- 7A

So in my Class Lab, for the last several weeks, we've been working on a Transposon Mutagenesis project (don't feel like explaining what that means at the moment). And my group had isolated some nifty mutants, specifically a uracil auxotroph (RBJ-7A, 7A for short).

But, in this lab, we also learn the woes of research: things don't always work. Our little 7A kept on pushing through, even when the rest of our mutants (we had about 25 in total) refused to grow on other media or didn't electroporate properly or whatever. 7A made it all the way to selection for sequencing, which included a restriction-enzyme digest and gel electrophoresis, the results of which my group and I waited for with baited breath. But 7A passed.

And then we sent it to be sequenced...where...it didn't work out.

Such is research, as my TA told us, which is completely understandable. But I was rooting for this little guy. My group was going to have something exciting and different to present at our poster session in May. But it was not to be. So we're using a sequence provided for us by the TA.

Fortunately, little 7A is quite literally chilling out in the -80 freezer, so I know it'll face another day in the future.

Yes, I did get that attached to a Bacillus subtilis mutant. I know I'm a giant nerd.

Since everyone else was doing it...

1 test (Physics)
1 presentation (gene mutants)
2 quizzes
2 homework assignments
3 extra credit assignments
3 finals
...and about 50 genes to transcribe, translate, and align so my PI can get published

Just in time for summer vacation.

In the meantime, I'm waiting to hear on summer jobs. I've applied to two lab jobs, planning to add a third (orientation aide, undeclared majors) on this week, and will apply for a fourth (orientation aide, science majors) when it becomes available. Maybe I'll apply for a bookstore job as well.

I love school, but I am so ready for summer and NOT HAVING HOMEWORK.