Introduction to Cell Biology

Designing an Experiment step 1

Question or hypothesis

Designing an Experiment step 2

Select an approach and model system

Designing an Experiment step 3

Design procedure and execute experiment

Designing an Experiment step 4

Make observations and interpret results

Experimental Approaches

Biochemistry, microscopy, genetics

all three give Evidence to Answer Questions in Cell Biology

Biochemistry

Study of the molecules and chemical processes in living organisms

Microscopy

Examination of objects that cannot be seen by eye using microscopes

Genetics

Study of inheritance and variation of genetic material

Biochemical Approaches

Observing structure and behavior of specific molecules, how they interact with other molecules

Biochemical methods

Include:

• Purifying/separating biomolecules for further study

• Detect proteins using antibodies

• Identifying interactions between biomolecules

• Monitoring biochemical reactions

Biochemical methods D

Detect proteins using antibodies

Biochemical methods I

Identifying interactions between biomolecules

Biochemical methods M

Monitoring biochemical reactions

Biochemical methods P

Purifying/separating biomolecules for further study

Microscopy Approaches

Visualize shape, location, behavior of organisms, cells, cell parts, or molecules

Microscopy Methods

• Observing molecules, cells, tissues or organisms

• Detecting specific molecules or parts of a cell

• Live imaging

Microscopy Methods L

Live imaging

Microscopy Methods O

Observing molecules, cells, tissues, organisms

Microscopy Methods D

Detecting specific molecules or parts of a cell

Genetic Approaches

• Evaluating the structure and function of a cell or cell part when the DNA sequence is altered

Include:

• Identifying cells or individuals in a diverse population with a phenotype of interest and identifying the relevant gene(s)

• Creating mutations in a DNA region of interest and evaluating the effect(s) on cells

• Altering expression levels of RNA or protein and evaluating the effect(s) on cells

• Adding a sequence to a gene that adds amino acids to a protein to create fusion proteins and “tagged” versions useful for experiments