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In Dr. Hansma's lab the atomic force microscope (AFM) is used to characterize DNA and other biomaterials. The grant that supports the lab allows the group to explore new uses for the AFM in biomedical research. There were two studies that led to my project. The first study found that nickel, zinc, and cobalt ions helped DNA stick to the mica surface. Mica is the substrate upon which DNA is observed in the AFM. These three metals ions gave similar results and it was hypothesized that this was due to the fact that they all had similar ionic radii. A subsequent study showed that NiCl2 caused condensation on certain DNA sequences. The condensation resulted in round structures called toroids. My project was to observe Poly (dG-dC)*(dC-dG) DNA in varying concentrations of ZnCl2. This particular sequence showed the greatest amount of condensation when in the presence of NiCl2. It was hypothesized that since nickel and zinc behave similarly in the initial study that DNA condensation might occur the presence of zinc as well. DNA condensation is a desired phenomenon for it is a necessary step for gene therapy. This any condition that results in condensation of DNA is worth studying.
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Lab reports and presentations can be powerful assessment tools for the teacher. However, the benefits in asking your students to communicate go beyond assessment. Learn how to use different modes of communication between students to increase their communication skills and help them develop understanding of scientific concepts, all while creating a scientific community.
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| Attachment | Size |
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 Download Curriculum Project | 188.5 KB |