Altering Gene Function by Design

What are blotting techniques used for?

To identify specific DNA or RNA fragments in complex mixtures (Southern, Northern, Western blotting).

What do microarrays and in situ hybridization reveal?

Patterns of mRNA expression, co-regulation of genes, and localization of transcripts.

What are recombinant expression vectors?

DNA constructs that enable regulated expression of exogenous genes and protein production in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

How can gene mutations help study gene function?

Mutations provide clues by showing how loss or change in a gene affects cellular processes.

What are common techniques for gene modification?

Introducing point mutations, creating knockouts with homologous recombination, CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, and interfering RNA (RNAi).

What is CRISPR-Cas9 used for?

Precise editing of genes by introducing targeted double-stranded breaks and enabling controlled gene disruption or modification.