Homework
Weekly homework submissions:
Week 1 HW: Principles and Practices
Question Responses
Week 2 Lecture HW: DNA Read Write and Edit
Pre-lecture 2 homework questions: Question 1: What is the error rate of polymerase? How does this compare to the length of the human genome. How does biology deal with that discrepancy? Response: The error rate of DNA polymerase varies between 1 in 104 to 1 in 105. The length of the human genome is 3 * 109 base pairs, this would mean hundereds of mutations every cell division. However, biology dealt with that discrepancy through proofreading, which decreases the error rate to about 1 in 107, along with other correcting methods like mismatch repair, DNA damage checkpoints, and if there is still severe mutation detected, the cell will go into apoptosis.
Python Script for Opentrons Artwork I used Ronan’s tool to make the art. I published it here and downloaded the python script from the website. Below is an image of the art, and I put the python script under this week’s homework folder Post-Lab Question 1: Luciferase reporter assay for NF-kB activation automated by an open-source liquid handling platform This paper details the development of an automated workflow for NF-kB luciferase reporter assays using the Opentrons OT-2, an open-source liquid handling platform. By using Python-scripted protocols, the authors automated key steps including cell seeding, transient transfection, and enzymatic reaction development in a 96-well format. This automation allowed the experiment to be more cost-effective and gain consistent results with coefficient of variation being below 10% while reducing hands-on time, and keeping aseptic integrity through the HEPA module which maintains a sterile environment.