Processing Field Samples

After watching my video, some of you may be wondering how sample processing works. After climbing high up into canopy trees to collect samples of Catopsis nitida (see below)

 

or using a nifty pole pruner for those slightly out of reach epiphytes in pasture trees,

 

I bring the epiphyte samples back to be cut up into smaller pieces. Once cut up they are placed in a labeled coin envelope and dried with silica gel beads. Silica gel beads are extremely important for preserving leaf tissue because they thoroughly dry the leaves, while still preserving the DNA. This method allows me to preserve the samples I collect in the field, so that I may bring them back to a lab facility at the University of Utah for DNA extraction and analysis.

 

 

I hope you have enjoyed this brief lab note. I have just three days left on my campaign! Please help me in sharing this campaign with your friends and co-workers!

Thanks for your support!! Autumn