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Our re-design is based upon the Open PCR system originally designed by Josh Perfetto and Tito Jankowski.
System Design
Key Features PCR Block:
The new design will be much larger, to include as many samples as possible to accomodate a standard classroom size. This includes a color coordinated tray.
Benefit and Function- The color coordination will make it easier to keep track of the samples. The larger size will allow more students to participate
Heat Sink/Fan:
These pieces will be enlarged accordingly with the other parts of the device as necessary for the additional samples. The placement may also be shifted for this accommodation with smaller class sizes.
Benefit and Function: Since this device is aimed at being educational, an important factor is price. It will be cheaper to use a larger device to accomodate more students.
Instructions
Protocols
Materials
PCR Protocol
DNA Measurement Protocol
Research and Development
Background on Disease Markers
There are two diseases that our group decided to look into. The first disease is type II diabetes, which is the most common of the diabetes. The body does not produce enough insulin, which regulates the use of glucose, therefore leading to high levels of glucose in the blood. There is a mutation in the third chromosome which causes this disease. The SNP related to this is rs4402960 [1]. The second disease is insomnia. This is a sleeping disorder in which a person cannot fall asleep or stay asleep for as long as they would like. It is caused by a mutation in the twentieth chromosome. The SNP related to this is rs74315403 [2].
Primer Design
Forward Primer for Type 2 Diabetes: GGACAGTAGATT[G/T]AAGATACTGATTGTGTTTGCAAACA
Reverse Primer for Type 2 Diabetes: GGGCATGTTTGCAAACACAATCAGTATCTTAATCTACTGTCC
Forward Primer for Insomnia: ACAGCAACCAGAACAACTTTGTGCAC[A/G]ACTGCGTCAATATCACAATCAAGCA
Reverse Primer for Insomnia: