Glowing Science: The Day I Made Protein in My Basement!
Last weekend, I turned my basement into a mini biotechnology lab — and it was absolutely glow-tastic! Using synthetic biology, I actually made protein from DNA, and got to see it happen with my own fluorescent viewer. It was like watching life in a test tube come alive with color!
Step 1: Building My Fluorescent Viewer
Before I could start making protein, I needed a way to see it. So, I built my very own molecular fluorescence viewer — a special setup that lets you watch chemical reactions glow in the dark.
When molecules produce light (a process called fluorescence), it means something exciting is happening at the microscopic level. My viewer was basically a window into that invisible world — and I couldn’t wait to use it.
Step 2: Setting Up the Experiment
Once my viewer was ready, it was time for the main event! I lined up my test tubes and added the ingredients:
DNA A
DNA B
Water
Kanamycin (an antibiotic that helps select for cells with the right DNA)
Each tube was like a tiny factory waiting to come alive. After carefully pipetting the samples, I set a timer for 15 minutes and waited to see what would happen.
Step 3: The First Glow — DNA Turns to RNA
When I looked at my test tubes under the fluorescent viewer, they were glowing green! Some were brighter than others, which meant the reactions were happening at different strengths.
That green glow was a huge deal — it meant the DNA had successfully turned into RNA, the molecule that carries the genetic instructions to make proteins. I couldn’t believe I was watching real biology unfold right in front of me!
Step 4: The Next Day — RNA to Protein
After letting the samples rest for a full day, I checked again. This time, the glow had changed — from green to bright red!
That color shift showed that the RNA had done its job: it had turned into protein. I had literally created protein using synthetic DNA, all from a small setup in my own basement.
Step 5: Reflections on My Basement Biotech Lab
Seeing those glowing test tubes reminded me why I love science — it’s like solving a mystery where light, color, and molecules tell the story. Making protein with synthetic biology helped me understand how genetic information flows:
DNA → RNA → Protein.
It’s the central rule of biology — and now I’ve seen it happen with my own eyes!
Science doesn’t always need a big lab or fancy machines; sometimes, all it takes is curiosity, patience, and a little fluorescence. This experiment showed me that discovery can happen anywhere — even in your own basement.
Until next time, keep glowing and keep exploring!
