July 8th, AM

Today, Olaf put in a $30,000 camera that takes pictures instantly and that is maintained at minus 70 degrees Celsius. The camera can amplify the photons from fluorecent molecules and give a better image than the computer. We first looked at a picture taken of some fluorescent beads that is 10 microns in diameter. Next, we diluted some DNA and dyed it with YOYO which is a fluorescent dye. The DNA needs to be diluted so that we can see individual strands of DNA instead of a mess of DNA sphagetti stuck together. We have to fix the DNA onto mica. HEPES buffer was added which contains Ni ions. The Ni ions binds to the mica and holds the DNA onto the mica. We could see the fluorescent DNA under the eyepiece of the microscope. They need to buy the software that operates the expensive camera before we can take any pictures from the camera.