The Attractin Gene

This week, I am continuing to sequence various regions of the attractin gene. I am focusing on completing the stages necessary to sequence intron 4 in all desired specimen. Many of the DNA for the specimen, however, is not where it is supposed to be placed or is entirely used do the number of PCR reactions occurring simultaneously in the laboratory. Therefore, I am also performing numerous dilutions to obtain the desired concentration (20ng/µL) of DNA before continuing with the PCR reactions. This week also has added excitement as I received additional sequences from the sequencing center that I can now clean, analyze, and enter into my data tables. I am eager to complete preparing the samples for intron 4 and to receive all of the sequences, so that I can finally determine the relation between association in intron four of the attractin gene and variation in coat color in the Kenzin and Carrizozo, NM populations of rock pocket mice.