Bacterial Identification Lab The purpose of the lab is to familiarize you with the science and techniques used to identify different types of bacteria based on their DNA sequence. Not long ago, DNA sequencing was a time-consuming, tedious process. With readily available commercial equipment and kits, it is now routine. The techniques used in this lab are applicable in a wide variety of settings, including scientific research and forensic labs.
Basic Steps
• Prepare a sample from a patient and isolate whole bacterial DNA.
• Make many copies of the desired piece of DNA.
• Sequence the DNA.
• Analyze the sequence and identify the bacteria.

Learning Objectives
• What kind of patient samples are used for the purpose of identifying possible pathogens?
• What does PCR do, how does it work, and why is it useful?
• How do you separate the desired DNA from all others?
• How does an automatic DNA sequencer work?
• Why is it possible to use a DNA sequence to identify bacteria?
Materials
• Automatic DNA sequencer
• Digestion buffer
• Micro concentrator
• PCR machine
• PCR master mix
• Strip tube
• Pipettes
Procedure- as stated in lab
Analysis
1.The S is the Svedberg unit, used to express sedimentation coefficients of biomolecules and cell components. It is essentially an expressed of speed. The smaller the S value, the smaller the molecule moves in a centrifuge.
2. Some bacteria grow better in liquid and some grow better using the molecular method.
3. Supernatant- Floating on the surface, or relates to the clear fluid over a sediment or precipitate. In this lab, used to describe the layer of fluid that is over the centrifuged