Session: Undergraduate Research Posters: Biochemistry:

This research project examines the interactions that take place between cresyl violet (CV), an organic compound used for staining tissue and neurons, and nucleic acids. CV is a planar molecule that forms a complex with DNA and RNA and generates different colors. Running different sequences of DNA and RNA oligos, 15 bases in length, through gel electrophoresis and using CV as the stain produces the color differences. RNA tends to be stained more of a purple color while DNA stains as a bluer tone. To more precisely quantify these colors UV-Vis spectroscopy is used. In gel a fiber optic UV-Vis is used to analyze the band on the gels, and a Cary 60 is used for the solution studies. The wavelength scans of the different oligos are unique with multiple peaks/forms present and therefore indicate that these nucleic acid-CV interactions may be base dependent. To further explore the CV local environment, we have experimented with different pHs around the pKas of the molecule. CV has been found to have distinctive spectra for each pH, similar to what is observed in the CV stained nucleic acids, providing insight into the local environments within the DNA and RNA oligos. PeakFit (Systat Software Inc.) continues to be used to identify and quantitate the peaks which represent the monomer, dimer and other unique forms.

Amber Charlebois

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