Same as below. I would make sure the DNA isolation was performed correctly the first time so that I could move on to PCR and predict the cluster and subcluster of the phage.
My lab partner and I had to redo the DNA isolation part of the experiment multiple times, which was frustrating, and as a result, we did not get to the PCR part of the experiment, which would have further solidified our cluster hypothesis. So, if I could go back, I would ensure the DNA isolation is done perfectly, despite it being a very long experiment.
A cluster is just a group of phages that closely resemble one another in terms of their characteristics. For example, phages in a cluster will likely have the same lifecycle, morphotype, and range of hosts they can infect.
Yes. Lytic phages are often chosen first since these phages can kill the bacteria almost immediately and don’t enter the lysogenic cycle. So, they are more useful for treatment of bacterial infections. However, temperate phages can have their genome modified so that they do not enter the lysogenic cycle, but this is obviously more complicated of a process.
If you could go back and change one element of your experiment, what would you wish to change?
Same as below. I would make sure the DNA isolation was performed correctly the first time so that I could move on to PCR and predict the cluster and subcluster of the phage.
If you could go back and change one element of your experiment, what would you like to have changed?
My lab partner and I had to redo the DNA isolation part of the experiment multiple times, which was frustrating, and as a result, we did not get to the PCR part of the experiment, which would have further solidified our cluster hypothesis. So, if I could go back, I would ensure the DNA isolation is done perfectly, despite it being a very long experiment.
What is a cluster for phage?
A cluster is just a group of phages that closely resemble one another in terms of their characteristics. For example, phages in a cluster will likely have the same lifecycle, morphotype, and range of hosts they can infect.
For the future directions, are there any specific types of phages that the genome should be researched with a higher priority over others?
Yes. Lytic phages are often chosen first since these phages can kill the bacteria almost immediately and don’t enter the lysogenic cycle. So, they are more useful for treatment of bacterial infections. However, temperate phages can have their genome modified so that they do not enter the lysogenic cycle, but this is obviously more complicated of a process.