Laboratory Research Methods

Flashcards covering basic laboratory methods used in cell and molecular biology.

Laboratory-based biomedical research

Answering questions that cannot be answered using humans, exploring new phenomena, understanding disease mechanisms, testing new hypotheses, screening for inhibitors, and identifying targets/candidates.

Lab research vs field research: Controlled

Variables can be well controlled.

Lab research vs field research: Reproducibility

Experiments can be reproduced more easily.

Lab research vs field research:Clear Conclusions

Leads to more definitive conclusions.

Lab research vs field research: Artificial Settings

May not translate well to humans and can be expensive.

PCR

Amplification of a section of DNA to generate millions of copies.

Transcription factor

A DNA binding factor which binds to specific DNA sequences.

DNA extraction

Methods involve disruption of cells using lysis regents and subsequent treatment with different chemicals to remove other biomolecules.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Amplification of a section of DNA to generate millions of copies using a thermostable DNA polymerase.

Genome sequencing

Determining the DNA sequence of the genome of an organism.

Reverse transcription

The synthesis of complementary DNA (cDNA) from RNA.

RT-PCR

Reverse transcription coupled with PCR.

RNAseq

Sequencing all the transcripts in a cell to get a global view of gene expression.

Real time PCR (qPCR)

A quantitative method for measuring specific transcripts.

PAGE

Basic method for analysing cellular protein profiles based on size and charge.

Western blotting

Detecting specific proteins on membranes using specific antibodies.

ELISA

Immunological assay used to measure antibodies or specific proteins from biological samples.

Proteomics

Study of the complete set of proteins produced by a cell under a set of conditions.