Blogging from the Boot Heel: Cloning

Tuesday

Cloning - Old School

Cloning or the production of genetically identical individuals is a process that has existed for thousands of years. Yet in today's world cloning is still feared by some, especially when discussing the potential of human cloning. As a Biologist and former molecular geneticist much of my time was spent cloning, mostly just DNA fragments which required producing populations of cloned bacteria with the DNA fragment of interest for analysis. Cloning was a fundamental tool in the work on the genetics of Type II Diabetes in Pima Indians. With DNA sequencers, a dozen PCR machines, and an oligonucleotide synthesizer, it was possible to localize regions of specific human chromosomes which were linked to a number of diabetic traits in the study population.

Fast forward in time, no longer running a laboratory but instead running a 750 acre estate in the remote southwest corner of New Mexico. Without the large grants and federal support there is no laboratory, no DNA sequencers, no PCR machines. So, is it possible to still clone? The answer is yes, but only using old school techniques, and while not cloning DNA fragments it is still possible to clone. Instead of cloning human DNA it is possible to clone plant material using the tools available. Oaks were chosen since rhizomes from the tree send up new shoots around the base of tree. Several of these sprouts were isolated, cut, and treated with rooting hormone then individually planted in 1 gallon plastic ice cream buckets, creating a second mechanism (besides growing from acorns) to produce oaks for the Painted Pony Resort. It is nice to be able to practice some of the old skills (cloning) in a new way.

Cloned oaks with lizard.

For anyone interested, here are links to some papers that resulted from the Diabetes research.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9541507
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9497255
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9758619
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9158141
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9027510
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8585571

2 comments:

PatJuly 21, 2014 at 4:45 AM
I had to look for that lizard.............sort of like that game "where's Waldo?"
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UnknownJuly 21, 2014 at 6:44 AM
There are several lizards that hang out around hose bib since it leaks and attracts food for the lizards.
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Visiting the Painted Pony Resort? Pre-order your food and have it Delivered.

If you are visiting the Painted Pony Resort and wish to pre-order your meals, Schwans is your choice. You can place an order with Schwans and pay online. Then have it delivered to the Painted Pony Resort and it will be placed in the freezer awaiting your arrival. Schwans is at the Painted Pony Resort every other Monday. Get all the ice cream goodies as well as design complete meals for your visit.

Gasoline, diesel, and propane are available at the Valley Mercantile on Highway 9 in Animas.

For dining out there is:

Rodeo Tavern
Rodeo Grocery and Cafe
Portal Store and Cafe

Business hours in Rodeo and Portal

Local resources for meal preparation at the Painted Pony Resort

Additional Lodging in the Portal Rodeo Area

Professional Guide Services

Your group or family reunion wants to see the sights while at the Painted Pony Resort but you want someone who knows the good spots to visit. If so, then perhaps a professional guide who can tailor a visit to the Chiricahua Mountains for any group whether birding, natural history, geology, or the history of the area, is what you seek. Naturalist Journeys or Adventure Birding Company or Borderland Tours. The first 2 are located in Portal AZ all can design a simple day trip or multi-day excursions while your group is in residence at PPR. If you are looking to share a day of birding with others, please use Birding Pal to locate other Birders who may be in the area when in residence at the Painted Pony.

Tuesday

Cloning - Old School

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