(no subject)

[asimplechord]

We have multiple strains of E. coli in the freezer for plasmid amplification and protein expression. We have aliquots of chemical competent versions of these cells as well.

I've been trying for days to amplify a kanamycin-resistant plasmid in the XL-1 Blues. Got a lawn after transformation, figured I had grabbed an old plate. Poured new plates. Got a lawn again. Verified that the plasmid was really supposed to be a KanR plasmid. Made a fresh stock of kanamycin, poured more plates. Got a lawn again. Struck some colonies from a DH5alpha transformation, and they grew normally.

Checked the genotype of Stratagene's XL-1 Blues: they should be kanamycin sensitive, and thus only transformants should grow.

Dug through stuff in my predecessor's notebook and the freezer.

The tubes she labeled as competent XL-1 Blues? Not really XL-1 Blues.

They're XL-10 Gold cells. KanR.

We'll re-ligate and transform. Again. In the real XL-1 Blues this time.

Moral of the story: Always label your tubes appropriately, because you might not be the person who uses your samples in the future.




Dear Person Who Fucked With The Developer (AGAIN),

Is there a problem with the posted placards? Because you obviously can't read the signs that say NOT TO TRY TO FIX THE MACHINE if you jam it. Yesterday was the second Monday in a row that you've taken the rollers out, replaced them wrong, and led to a spillover of developing fluid. Just in case you were wondering, I do not enjoy cleaning up after you. If I wanted to do that sort of thing, I'd have kids.

If I find you, I am submersing you in developing fluid and holding you under until it comes out your ears.

Kisses,
Me

Comments

[fleurdeliser.livejournal.com]

I'm beginning to think that the question of the developer is the most complex and puzzling question yet asked. Much more complicated than the question of life, the universe, and everything. Much. Either that or people who are supposed to be smart are complete idiots.

[asimplechord.livejournal.com]

*nods sagely*

Very complicated, indeed. Feed film in, get film out. If film doesn't come out, call my lab.

Apparently it is very difficult to follow written instructions. For the phantom, anyway. I think I know who it is; this person is technically not supposed to be using the dark room, since her department does not contribute in any way to its upkeep, and thus she doesn't want to call us to fix it and have to explain why she was using it.