pGLO Lab By: Yi Yu Abstract Plasmids are pieces of circular DNA that are in bacteria which can code for genes that can cause the bacteria to have extra “features”. With the pGLO plasmid this extra “feature” causes bacteria to glow (from the Green Fluorescent Protein that was inserted) and also has resistance to ampicillin (from the beta-lactamase protein). By adding the pGLO plasmid the E.coli bacteria will be able to grow on agar with arabinose sugar and ampicillin. […]
The Creation of Isopentyl Acetate By: Stephanie Tress INTRODUCTION8 Some of the food and drinks that are consumed today obtain their flavor and odor from esters, which are found throughout nature[2]. Some things contain not one ester but a combination of esters in order to obtain the right flavor[2]. Esters won’t be used for things like perfume because they aren’t stable and will react with perspiration which will then give off an unpleasant odor[2]. Although a fruity and sweet odor […]
Fischer Esterification By: Julia Tremble Introduction: As derivatives of carboxylic acids, esters are abundant compounds that often contribute to the fragrances in flowers, fruits, and coffee. Esters are synthesized from either organic or inorganic acids through a process called esterification.2 In this reaction, a carboxylic acid (RCOOH) and an alcohol (R’OH) mix in the presence of a strong acid catalyst to form a neutral, water-insoluble ester (RCOO’R) that gives off a pleasant smell.3 The following is an example of this […]
Isolation of Caffeine from Tea Leaves By: Julia Trimble Introduction: Caffeine is an alkaloid stimulant with a cyclic backbone structure analogous to the purine structures of DNA, giving it the ability to affect biochemical pathways in the body1. In commercial application, caffeine supplements pharmaceuticals and certain beverages such as coffee or tea. Standard tea bags contain 2.00 +/- 0.05 g of tea leaves along with approximately 55 mg of caffeine[1]. Using the proper extraction methods, the caffeine within a tea […]
Synthesis of Salicylic Acid from Wintergreen Oil By: Matthew Rook Introduction: Experiment 3: Synthesis of Salicylic Acid from Wintergreen Oil Purpose: The purpose of this lab was to get students familiar with glass materials often used by organic chemists and how to reflux a mixture and to filter its precipitate, through teaching students how to create salicylic acid from methyl salicylate (wintergreen oil). During the experiment students learns how to use solubility data and then the students learns how […]
Gas Chromatography to Determination of Percent Alcohol in Crest Pro Health and Listerine Mouthwashes
Determination of Percent Alcohol in Crest Pro Health and Listerine Mouthwashes via Gas Chromatography By: Kiley Morgan, JT Ray, Amy Sizemore, Andrew Puetz Introduction Mouthwash is an antiseptic solution used as a hygienic product for oral health. This antiseptic can kill bacteria, prevent and combat plaque buildup, gingivitis, and bad breathe. The two mouthwashes analyzed in this experiment are Crest Pro Health Mouthwash and Listerine Mouthwashes. These two mouthwashes contain different active ingredients. Listerine’s active ingredients to kill bacteria […]
