Clinical Biochemistry Flashcards

Flashcards for Clinical Biochemistry Lecture Review

Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPE)

A technique using an electric field to separate serum proteins based on their electrical charge.

M-proteins (M-spikes)

Characteristic monoclonal proteins identified in multiple myeloma through SPE.

Electrophoretic Separation Buffer pH

Alkaline buffer with a pH of 8.6 used during serum protein electrophoresis.

Albumin

The largest peak in a normal SPE pattern, constituting approximately 60% of total protein.

Monoclonal Gammopathy

A condition characterized by the presence of monoclonal proteins, often detected by SPE.

DNA Extraction

The process of isolating pure, high-quality DNA from biological samples.

Cell Lysis

Breaking open of cell and nuclear membranes using detergents or enzymes to release cellular contents.

Proteinase K

An enzyme used in cell lysis to digest proteins during DNA extraction.

DNA Precipitation

Adding cold alcohol to separate DNA from solution, forming visible DNA strands.

Gel Electrophoresis

A technique that separates DNA fragments based on size using an agarose matrix and electrical current.

Ethidium Bromide

A dye that binds to DNA for UV detection in gel electrophoresis.

DNA Ladder

A reference used in gel electrophoresis for fragment size estimation.

Loading Buffer

A buffer containing glycerol and tracking dyes, used when preparing DNA samples for gel electrophoresis

PCR

Polymerase Chain Reaction, a technique for exponentially amplifying specific DNA sequences.

DNA Template

The DNA sequence containing the target to be amplified in a PCR reaction.

Primers

Short synthetic oligonucleotides that bind to specific regions flanking the target in PCR.

Taq Polymerase

A thermostable DNA polymerase used in PCR, derived from Thermus aquaticus.

dNTPs

Deoxynucleotide triphosphates, the building blocks for DNA synthesis in PCR.

Denaturation (PCR)

The step in PCR where double-stranded DNA is separated into single strands by heating.

Annealing (PCR)

The step in PCR where primers bind to their complementary sequences on single-stranded DNA.

Extension (PCR)

The step in PCR where Taq polymerase extends primers to synthesize new DNA strands.

Troponin I

A cardiac biomarker with high specificity for cardiac injury, used in diagnosing myocardial infarction (MI).

CK-MB

A cardiac biomarker useful for detecting reinfarction when troponin levels remain elevated.

BNP/NT-proBNP

Biomarkers primarily used to diagnose heart failure.

Amylase

An enzyme that elevates 2-12 hours after pancreatic injury, peaks at 12-72 hours, and returns to normal within 3-5 days

Lipase

A pancreatic enzyme that hydrolyzes triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerol.

Acute Pancreatitis

A condition where both amylase and lipase are significantly elevated.

Chronic Pancreatitis

A condition where amylase and lipase are at normal or mildly elevated levels.

Gel Electrophoresis Applications

Quality assessment, Genetic Analysis, and PCR verification.

Genetic Testing Applications

Detection of mutations associated with inherited disorders and cancer.