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Explanation
After conducting a full Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) lab in a group, students were tasked to write a lab report individually. Overall the objective of the report was to effectively present the background information, purpose, procedure, results, discussion/analysis, sources of error, and conclusions the could be drawn from the lab. The assignment specifically focused on using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to test for multiple waterborne microorganisms in four water samples simultaneously. Before conducting the experiment a hypothesis was created and proven to be false, true, or inconclusive. In this report, I hypothesized that after PCR and gel electrophoresis is complete, the known water samples containing bacteria (the E.coli sample, S.marcescens sample, and B.subtilis sample) will show size amplicons according to the bacteria present and the unknown water sample will show a presence of E.coli. After conducting the experiment the hypothesis was determined to be wrong and inconclusive. The unknown water sample did not display fragment sizes according to any of the samples containing E.coli, S.marcescens, and B.subtilis. The hypothesis was also inconclusive because the specific amplicon sizes for each contaminated sample could not determines since the lengths of each fragment in the DNA ladder was not provided. This assignment fits into the overall unit since this particular unit dealt with investigating environmental concerns around the world and in local communities, water contamination is a concern that many communities deal with. Prior to this experiment I knew about PCR and gel electrophoresis but I was finally able to apply the skills and fully conduct the lab with others. I learned about the importance of PCR, multiplying DNA fragments for experimental purposes and I also learned about the significance of gel electrophoresis, for the identification of bacterial presence in water samples.
Reflection
This assignment showcases my ability to fully write a lab report independently this includes effectively present the background information (based on research), purpose, procedure, results, discussion/analysis, sources of error, and conclusions the could be drawn from the lab. There were several components in the lab report that needed to be complete and in this assignment I was able to show my ability to write and analyse results.
The overall assignment dealt with conducting water contamination tests using PCR and gel electrophoresis, highlighting important themes found throughout the course on water testing. This course heavily revolved on testing water samples for contaminates and making conclusions on whether or not the water where the water samples were taken from are safe for communities that rely on it.
I appreciated the assignment for allowing me to practice skills that I would likely need for college including conducting labs and writing lab reports.
This assignment connects to the the larger world and community since it focuses on a process needed for testing water samples that can determine if bodies of water are safe enough for communities.
Explanation
In this assignment, we worked in groups and chose one town/city to focus on for the project. After establishing Orange as the town we wanted investigate we divided the work among group members and each of us researched environmental health concerns. The objective of the assignment was to find relevant information on the hazardous waste, health status, air quality, water quality, and industrial history in the township of Orange. The overall unit focuses on environmental health concerns in small populations and around the world. This assignment tackles the various aspects of environmental health concerns highlighting what it means and its importance relating to the community. When dividing up the work I was tasked to work on the industrial history of Orange. I learned about the popular industries throughout the years in Orange. There was a prominent hat making industry and radium company in Orange.
Reflection
This assignment was challenging due to the lack of information available online about Orange. There were not too many record on Orange's water quality, air quality, hazardous waste, etc. There was also contradictory findings among team members. For example, one person in the group found no hazardous waste brown sites in Orange but according to the industrial history research there were brown sites.
I would improve the collaboration aspect. Contradictory statements could have been avoided if we all ran information with each other.
The assignment was graded as a 100 so we did not need to redo but improvements could still be made. There could have been more collaboration among the team.
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