Mini Lab Report 3

Reports must be typed and submitted to Canvas by the start of your next lab (see the “Course Summary” tab for links to all assignment submissions). Lab notes are not part of the mini lab reports and should not be submitted.

This mini lab report should include methods, results and discussion sections for experiments in labs 8-10.

Methods Section:

• Report methods used in the paper-based ELISA assay in lab 8 and the bacteria killing assays in labs 9 and 10.
• Be sure to include:
  • Purpose statement/ brief summary of each experiment
  • For the ELISA assay, describe the dilutions used, the name of the antibodies, reagents and the main process of the assay (incubation time, time and number of washing, color detection).
  • Describe the data analysis method for the ELISA assay result (what software was used and how concentration was determined)
  • For the bacteria killing assay, describe the strains used in each experiment.
  • Describe how the bacteria number was determined (OD600 using a UV spectrometer)
  • Describe the formula used to determine the phage to bacteria ratio (i.e. MOI)
  • Describe the experimental set up (WT? Mutant? Negative control?) and the time point used
• A few general reminders:
  • Your method section should be clear enough that another scientist should be able to repeat your experiments.
  • Some details can be omitted, such as getting ice or other minor details.

Results Section:

• Report results of the ELISA assay and the bacteria killing assays in both text and figures/tables.
• Be sure to include:
  • Purpose statement/ brief summary of each experiment.
  • ELISA assay:
    • What are the color of the WT dilution samples and your sample? Describe the difference and any trends.
    • Include a graph of the analyzed color intensity of the samples.
  • Bacteria killing assays:
    • Describe the results of the experiments. Was the mutant more or less efficient than the WT? Was there difference between the strains of bacteria?
    • Include a table or graph of the bacteria growth (colony count or OD600 number). If including a graph, the graph should be OD600 (y-axis) Vs. Time point (x-axis).
  • Be careful not to add discussion text here! Results section should include what you observed, not why you think you observed it.

Discussion Section:

• Include the following information:
  • Recap what your results were in one or two sentences.
  • Discuss any similarities or differences between the plaque-titer assay and the ELISA assay. If differs, discuss the possible reasons.
  • Describe the effect of the mutation have on the killing efficiency of each host tested compared to the WT phage. Discuss the possible reasons for the difference.
  • For 10G cell, were the results from labs 9 and 10 consistent? Discuss how the consistency affect the data (Does this strengthen or weaken the data?). If inconsistent, discuss possible reasons and how to troubleshoot.