Tools for Analyzing Gene Expression

These flashcards cover the key concepts and techniques discussed in the lecture on analyzing gene expression.

Gene Expression Analysis Tools

Methods used to study the processes of transcription and translation of genes.

RNA interference (RNAi)

A biological process in which RNA molecules inhibit gene expression or translation, typically by causing the destruction of specific mRNA molecules.

Reverse Transcriptase PCR (rtPCR)

A technique used to amplify and quantify RNA by converting it to complementary DNA (cDNA) using reverse transcriptase.

Quantitative Reverse Transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR)

A quantitative method that measures the amount of cDNA produced from RNA during PCR, allowing for the determination of gene expression levels.

Constitutive Expression

Gene expression that occurs at all times regardless of environmental conditions or developmental stages.

Spatial Expression

Gene expression that occurs only in specific tissues within an organism.

Temporal Expression

Gene expression that occurs only during specific times in an organism's development.

SDS-PAGE

A method used to separate proteins based on their size through polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

Western Blot

A technique used to detect specific proteins in a sample after separation by SDS-PAGE.

Antisense Oligonucleotides

Short, synthetic strands of nucleic acids that inhibit gene expression by binding to complementary mRNA.

In vitro Mutagenesis

A laboratory technique used to introduce specific mutations into a DNA sequence.