Magnolia Research- Tiffany

Over the course of our biotechnology class, we have learned basic biotech concepts and have conducted various labs such as PCR, gel electrophesis, DNA extraction, Southern Blotting, and E.Coli transformations. These have grown our understanding of biotechnology and have prepared us for magnolia research. Currently, we have extracted DNA from Magnolia virginiana leaf samples we collected from our population. Tomorrow we will take this DNA and conduct a PCR amplification with four ISSR primers. Our goal is to then take the samples and create a gel electrophesis ISSR baseline banding pattern. Hopefully all of our leaves within our population will have the same banding pattern, if not, the project's next goal will be to create an intrapopulation study to determine the variation within the population. After this is finished, our samples will then be compared to coastal Magnolia virginiana banding patterns which will be determined with further research. This lab is incredibly interesting and it has helped me prepare for college research.