Worm Research Lab

Training/safety-related (before starting experiments in the lab!)

• Complete the safety training (available through online Mosaic system). WHMIS is mandatory for everyone. Update the Safety Training checklist. A copy of signed checklist must be filed in the lab binder.
• Fill out the “Working alone” and Volunteer agreement forms, if required.
• Familiarize with equipment in the lab, read SOPs and update the Equipment Training checklist. It is important for your safety and keeping equipment in good, working condition.
• Read and sign the Gupta Lab Safety Procedures form. File it in the lab binder.

General

• Familiarize yourself with various chemical stocks (liquid/solid) stored at room temperature and in -4C refrigerator and -20C freezer.
• Learn about enzymes, kits, and other molecular biology stocks in lab freezers.
• Learn to prepare common media and buffers (LB, M9, PO4 etc.).
• Keep your lab notebook up-to-date. Discuss with Bhagwati if you need access to online lab database resources and LabArchives digital notebook systems. All experiment-related data should be stored in LabArchives.

Worm-related

• Read basic worm culturing techniques and C. elegans genetics and anatomy (“Methods” chapter in Wood's C. elegans book and the websites www.wormatlas.org and www.wormbook.org)
• Review basic C. elegans literature. A few important links are posted in the Resources section.
• Using Nomarski microscope examine different stages of the developing vulva and gonad in hermaphrodites and take pictures

• Learn to
  • Make and seed C. elegans culture plates (NG-Agar)
  • Make platinum wire pick for handling worms
  • Propagate worm cultures by bulk transfer
  • Transfer single/few worm(s) without poking holes in the agar
  • Recognize males and hermaphrodites
  • Distinguish between egg, larval, and adult stages
  • Recognize L4 larval stage hermaphrodites (based on vulval invagination)
  • Recognize fresh young hermaphrodites (empty uterus, no fertilized eggs) and gravid hermaphrodites
  • Mount worms on glass slides for Nomarski observations

• Learn to setup a simple genetic cross
  • Cross Unc/Dpy hermaphrodites to wildtype males
  • Clone 3 wildtype-looking worms in the F1 generation
  • Recover the homozygous mutant in F2 generation

Microscopy-related

• Learn to operate the Nomarski microscopes. Read microscopy books and ask the supervisor to demonstrate the correct method of handling.
• Cover the Nomarski microscopes after every use. Microscope lenses are expensive and dust can cause damage.
• Organize captured images in a folder on the computer. Label files and folders clearly so these could be easily identified. Unorganized files may get deleted without prior warning!
• Use the Log Book. It is a MUST for everyone. Also, keep an eye on others to make sure that they are doing it as well.
• Report problems with microscopes to supervisor PROMPTLY. It is a collective responsibility of lab workers to keep things running smoothly.

BE A RESPONSIBLE PERSON! DO NOT MISUSE EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES AND REPORT PROBLEMS PROMPTLY.

NO FOOD OR DRINK IS ALLOWED IN THE LAB!