Tools for Analyzing Gene Expression

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to gene expression analysis techniques.

Inhibition of Gene Expression

The process of stopping or reducing gene expression, often achieved by removing a gene with knockout techniques.

Knockout Techniques

Methods used to remove a gene, typically through homologous recombination.

Homologous Recombination

A genetic recombination process where segments of DNA are exchanged between similar or identical molecules.

Constitutive Expression

Gene expression that occurs at all times, regardless of external signals.

Spatial Expression

Gene expression that occurs only in specific tissues.

Temporal Expression

Gene expression that occurs at specific times during development.

rtPCR (Reverse Transcriptase PCR)

A technique used to determine if a gene is being expressed by converting RNA to complementary DNA (cDNA).

qRT-PCR (Quantitative RT-PCR)

A method that measures the amount of gene expression relative to a control.

Poly-A Tail

A sequence of adenine nucleotides at the end of mRNA molecules, important for stability and translation.

Quantitative PCR (qPCR)

A technique that measures DNA amplification in real time using fluorescence.

SYBR Green Dye

A dye that fluoresces when bound to double-stranded DNA, enabling quantification during qPCR.

SDS-PAGE

A method used to separate proteins by size using a polyacrylamide gel, where proteins are coated with SDS.

Western Blot

A technique used to transfer proteins to a membrane and detect specific proteins using antibodies.

Primary Antibodies

Antibodies that bind specifically to the target protein in a Western blot.

Secondary Antibodies

Antibodies used in conjunction with primary antibodies to enable detection, often through enzyme activity.