With lots of zeal and enthusiasm, entered the Institute. Came across, Dr. T. R. Sharma in the pathway who very pleasantly greeted and asked if I got adjusted to the place and suggested to meet my assigned superviser. That was really a good start for the day.
Met Dr. Joy K. Roy, who introduced me to Ankita Mishra(Senior Research Fellow) and her team who are currently working on Markers. I was given a small briefing regarding the project I would be working on. My work would be based on SSR markers, linkage mapping, QTL Mapping,use of SNIPS,and Linkage and segregation distortion.
The lab was well equipped with instruments and equipment such as DNA Analyser, Fluidics Station, Hybridization Oven, Gel Documentation Systems, UV transilluminators, Electrophoresis Assemblies, PCR machines, multi-channel micro-pipettes and endless list of lab essentials.
As one of my team mate was working on starch isolation from red wheat, accompanied her in the process.
Protocol for Starch Isolation:
1. Soak the grains overnight at 4͒ C.
2. Grind the seeds in a Grinder with MQ water (milli-Q water)
3. The tough bran particles are removed by filtering using Muslin cloth.
4. The filtrate is centrifuged at 5000 rpm for 15-20 mins at 4͒ C.
5. Discard Supernatant and the layer of bran which appears as a brownish precipitate.
6. Collect the white precipitate found at the bottom of the tube. This is the starch.
7. Treat with 10% SDS.
8. Centrifuge.
9. Repeat step 5 and 6. Add water and Vortex
10. Repeated washings with water and Centrifugation until no more bran layer appears.
11. Collect the pure white precipitate and mix it with water by Vortexing.
12. Pour it into petri plates and place for drying in hot air oven for 3-4 hours.
13. Remove the dried plates, scratch the dried starch using a spatula and collect the starch in powdered form.
First day at the lab was quite beneficial and helpful in getting acquainted with the lab, lab equipment and trainees and research fellows working at the Lab.
