Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which type of mutation results in a premature stop codon?
Which type of mutation results in a premature stop codon?
- Silent mutation
- Nonsense mutation (correct)
- Synonymous mutation
- Missense mutation
A silent mutation changes the amino acid sequence of a protein.
A silent mutation changes the amino acid sequence of a protein.
False (B)
A mutation that results in the loss of a portion of a chromosome is called a ______.
A mutation that results in the loss of a portion of a chromosome is called a ______.
deletion
Match the types of mutations with their definitions:
Match the types of mutations with their definitions:
Which type of point mutation does not affect the amino acid sequence?
Which type of point mutation does not affect the amino acid sequence?
What is an example of a chromosomal mutation?
What is an example of a chromosomal mutation?
What should be done with gloves worn during exercises with biohazardous materials?
What should be done with gloves worn during exercises with biohazardous materials?
Reusable materials that require sterilization should be washed in the sink after use.
Reusable materials that require sterilization should be washed in the sink after use.
What should you never do with a wrong or unmarked reagent?
What should you never do with a wrong or unmarked reagent?
When pouring concentrated acids, always pour the acid into ___ and stir continuously.
When pouring concentrated acids, always pour the acid into ___ and stir continuously.
Match the waste type with its proper disposal method:
Match the waste type with its proper disposal method:
What must be done with chemical bottles during transport?
What must be done with chemical bottles during transport?
It is safe to pour any chemical into a bottle regardless of the label.
It is safe to pour any chemical into a bottle regardless of the label.
Why is good hand washing technique important during laboratory exercises?
Why is good hand washing technique important during laboratory exercises?
Items that are to be sterilized should be placed in the ___ after use.
Items that are to be sterilized should be placed in the ___ after use.
What is meant by 'parfocal' in relation to microscopes?
What is meant by 'parfocal' in relation to microscopes?
The field of view is square in shape when looking through a microscope.
The field of view is square in shape when looking through a microscope.
What should you do to find an object before viewing it under high power?
What should you do to find an object before viewing it under high power?
The limit of resolution for a microscope using visible light is approximately _____ nm.
The limit of resolution for a microscope using visible light is approximately _____ nm.
Match the following types of sections with their descriptions:
Match the following types of sections with their descriptions:
What is the purpose of using the fine adjustment knob when focusing a microscope?
What is the purpose of using the fine adjustment knob when focusing a microscope?
The field of view increases as you switch from low power to high power lenses.
The field of view increases as you switch from low power to high power lenses.
How do you calculate the size of a single cell using the low power field diameter?
How do you calculate the size of a single cell using the low power field diameter?
Using _____ light as a light source can improve resolution to 100 nm.
Using _____ light as a light source can improve resolution to 100 nm.
What is the recommended procedure for moving to a higher power objective?
What is the recommended procedure for moving to a higher power objective?
What does gene amplification refer to?
What does gene amplification refer to?
Translocation involves the exchange of broken pieces between non-homologous chromosomes.
Translocation involves the exchange of broken pieces between non-homologous chromosomes.
What are mutation hotspots characterized by?
What are mutation hotspots characterized by?
Inherited changes in ______ DNA can disrupt the mitochondria's energy generation.
Inherited changes in ______ DNA can disrupt the mitochondria's energy generation.
Match the following genetic concepts with their definitions:
Match the following genetic concepts with their definitions:
What are the two main types of nucleic acids?
What are the two main types of nucleic acids?
Adenine always binds to uracil in RNA.
Adenine always binds to uracil in RNA.
What is the role of ATP in cellular processes?
What is the role of ATP in cellular processes?
In DNA, cytosine always binds with ______.
In DNA, cytosine always binds with ______.
What is the primary focus of molecular biology methods?
What is the primary focus of molecular biology methods?
Match the following terms with their definitions:
Match the following terms with their definitions:
DNA synthesis involves the creation of RNA molecules.
DNA synthesis involves the creation of RNA molecules.
Name one common method used in molecular biology.
Name one common method used in molecular biology.
The process of ______ involves the extraction of DNA from cells.
The process of ______ involves the extraction of DNA from cells.
Which of the following is NOT a type of DNA mutation?
Which of the following is NOT a type of DNA mutation?
What is the total magnification when using a 10X ocular lens with a 40X objective lens?
What is the total magnification when using a 10X ocular lens with a 40X objective lens?
Immersion oil is required when using lower magnification lenses.
Immersion oil is required when using lower magnification lenses.
What is the main purpose of a stereomicroscope?
What is the main purpose of a stereomicroscope?
The field of view is the area of the slide that you see when looking through the microscope's ______.
The field of view is the area of the slide that you see when looking through the microscope's ______.
Match the following objective lenses with their respective magnifications:
Match the following objective lenses with their respective magnifications:
Which statement correctly describes the use of immersion oil in microscopy?
Which statement correctly describes the use of immersion oil in microscopy?
The eyepiece lens is responsible for projecting the image onto the detector.
The eyepiece lens is responsible for projecting the image onto the detector.
What is the primary purpose of a phase contrast microscope?
What is the primary purpose of a phase contrast microscope?
Fluorescent microscopy uses light from below the sample to excite fluorescent molecules.
Fluorescent microscopy uses light from below the sample to excite fluorescent molecules.
What type of light source is commonly used in fluorescence microscopy?
What type of light source is commonly used in fluorescence microscopy?
In a phase contrast microscope, light that passes through thicker parts of the cell is held up relative to the light that passes through thinner parts of the __________.
In a phase contrast microscope, light that passes through thicker parts of the cell is held up relative to the light that passes through thinner parts of the __________.
Match the microscopy method with its main characteristic:
Match the microscopy method with its main characteristic:
What is the benefit of using fluorescent microscopy over traditional light microscopy?
What is the benefit of using fluorescent microscopy over traditional light microscopy?
Phase contrast microscopy requires standard light objective lenses without any special modifications.
Phase contrast microscopy requires standard light objective lenses without any special modifications.
What allows a fluorescent molecule to emit light after absorbing it?
What allows a fluorescent molecule to emit light after absorbing it?
Fluorescent microscopes often use __________ of filters to separate excitation and emission wavelengths.
Fluorescent microscopes often use __________ of filters to separate excitation and emission wavelengths.
What bond occurs between a slightly positive hydrogen and a slightly negative oxygen or nitrogen?
What bond occurs between a slightly positive hydrogen and a slightly negative oxygen or nitrogen?
Nonpolar molecules attract water, making them hydrophilic.
Nonpolar molecules attract water, making them hydrophilic.
What is the pH value of a neutral solution?
What is the pH value of a neutral solution?
Acids release ______ ions when dissolved in water.
Acids release ______ ions when dissolved in water.
Match the following types of biomolecules with their main components:
Match the following types of biomolecules with their main components:
Which of the following describes a buffer?
Which of the following describes a buffer?
The pH scale ranges from 1 to 10.
The pH scale ranges from 1 to 10.
What ion is a characteristic of strong bases when dissolved in water?
What ion is a characteristic of strong bases when dissolved in water?
Water is often referred to as a universal ______ because of its ability to dissolve many substances.
Water is often referred to as a universal ______ because of its ability to dissolve many substances.
What is the main purpose of a DNA microarray?
What is the main purpose of a DNA microarray?
Somatic mutations cannot be inherited by offspring.
Somatic mutations cannot be inherited by offspring.
What type of mutation occurs due to environmental factors and increases mutation frequency?
What type of mutation occurs due to environmental factors and increases mutation frequency?
The cost of gene synthesis is approximately $_____ per base pair.
The cost of gene synthesis is approximately $_____ per base pair.
Match the following types of mutations with their characteristics:
Match the following types of mutations with their characteristics:
What type of reaction links subunits together into macromolecules?
What type of reaction links subunits together into macromolecules?
Lactose is a polysaccharide.
Lactose is a polysaccharide.
What are the three components of an amino acid?
What are the three components of an amino acid?
Triglycerides are composed of one glycerol and ______ fatty acids.
Triglycerides are composed of one glycerol and ______ fatty acids.
Match the following types of carbohydrates with their descriptions:
Match the following types of carbohydrates with their descriptions:
Which structure is primarily found in plasma membranes?
Which structure is primarily found in plasma membranes?
Denaturation of a protein can occur at normal physiological temperatures.
Denaturation of a protein can occur at normal physiological temperatures.
What is the primary function of carbohydrates?
What is the primary function of carbohydrates?
Lipids are generally soluble in ______ solvents.
Lipids are generally soluble in ______ solvents.
What bonds amino acids together in a protein?
What bonds amino acids together in a protein?
Which type of muscle is involuntarily controlled and found in the walls of hollow organs?
Which type of muscle is involuntarily controlled and found in the walls of hollow organs?
What feature of cardiac muscle fibers helps prevent fatigue during contractions?
What feature of cardiac muscle fibers helps prevent fatigue during contractions?
Skeletal muscles are primarily responsible for which of the following functions?
Skeletal muscles are primarily responsible for which of the following functions?
Which type of muscle tissue is characterized by tubular and striated fibers that are voluntarily controlled?
Which type of muscle tissue is characterized by tubular and striated fibers that are voluntarily controlled?
What is the role of calcium ions (Ca2+) in muscle contraction?
What is the role of calcium ions (Ca2+) in muscle contraction?
What is the shape of smooth muscle fibers?
What is the shape of smooth muscle fibers?
What is the first step in the sliding filament theory of muscle contraction?
What is the first step in the sliding filament theory of muscle contraction?
What structural feature distinguishes skeletal muscle fibers from other types?
What structural feature distinguishes skeletal muscle fibers from other types?
What happens to acetylcholine (ACh) after it is released into the synaptic cleft?
What happens to acetylcholine (ACh) after it is released into the synaptic cleft?
Which statement best explains a general feature of muscle tissue?
Which statement best explains a general feature of muscle tissue?
What is the consequence of ATP binding to myosin heads during muscle contraction?
What is the consequence of ATP binding to myosin heads during muscle contraction?
What is the primary function of the neuromuscular junction?
What is the primary function of the neuromuscular junction?
What is the term for the muscle that is relaxing during a contraction?
What is the term for the muscle that is relaxing during a contraction?
Which of the following is NOT a cellular component of a muscle fiber?
Which of the following is NOT a cellular component of a muscle fiber?
What provides energy for muscle contraction within muscle fibers?
What provides energy for muscle contraction within muscle fibers?
Which component of a muscle fiber serves as the plasma membrane?
Which component of a muscle fiber serves as the plasma membrane?
Thick myofilaments within muscle fibers are primarily composed of which protein?
Thick myofilaments within muscle fibers are primarily composed of which protein?
What is the role of myoglobin in muscle fibers?
What is the role of myoglobin in muscle fibers?
Which muscle type is responsible for voluntary movements in the body?
Which muscle type is responsible for voluntary movements in the body?
What would happen if both the agonist and antagonist muscles contracted simultaneously?
What would happen if both the agonist and antagonist muscles contracted simultaneously?
What is the main function of the sarcoplasmic reticulum in muscle fibers?
What is the main function of the sarcoplasmic reticulum in muscle fibers?
In a skeletal muscle fiber, myofibrils are made up of smaller units called what?
In a skeletal muscle fiber, myofibrils are made up of smaller units called what?
What is the primary role of fascia in the muscular system?
What is the primary role of fascia in the muscular system?
What describes the relationship between agonist and antagonist muscles?
What describes the relationship between agonist and antagonist muscles?
Which structure serves to protect internal organs from physical damage?
Which structure serves to protect internal organs from physical damage?
What happens to ATP during muscle contraction?
What happens to ATP during muscle contraction?
Where is the origin of a muscle typically located?
Where is the origin of a muscle typically located?
Which structure often acts as a cushion between tendons and bones?
Which structure often acts as a cushion between tendons and bones?
In the context of muscle pairs, what does the term 'insertion' refer to?
In the context of muscle pairs, what does the term 'insertion' refer to?
What is the function of small, fluid-filled sacs known as bursae?
What is the function of small, fluid-filled sacs known as bursae?
Which of the following best describes a fascicle?
Which of the following best describes a fascicle?
What is the primary function of myoglobin in muscle fibers?
What is the primary function of myoglobin in muscle fibers?
What structure releases Ca2+ in response to impulses conveyed by T tubules?
What structure releases Ca2+ in response to impulses conveyed by T tubules?
Which statement describes the role of the sliding filament model in muscle contraction?
Which statement describes the role of the sliding filament model in muscle contraction?
What is the composition of thick myofilaments in skeletal muscle?
What is the composition of thick myofilaments in skeletal muscle?
Which statement correctly defines the Z lines in a sarcomere?
Which statement correctly defines the Z lines in a sarcomere?
What happens to the I band during muscle contraction according to the sliding filament model?
What happens to the I band during muscle contraction according to the sliding filament model?
How are sarcomeres organized within myofibrils?
How are sarcomeres organized within myofibrils?
What is the main energy source that supports muscle contraction?
What is the main energy source that supports muscle contraction?
What is the primary role of thin myofilaments in muscle contraction?
What is the primary role of thin myofilaments in muscle contraction?
What is the H band within the A band of a sarcomere composed of?
What is the H band within the A band of a sarcomere composed of?
Flashcards
Point Mutation
Point Mutation
A mutation affecting only one or a few nucleotides in a DNA sequence.
Substitution Mutation
Substitution Mutation
A point mutation where one nucleotide base is replaced by another.
Insertion Mutation
Insertion Mutation
A point mutation where one or more nucleotides are added to the DNA sequence.
Deletion Mutation
Deletion Mutation
Signup and view all the flashcards
Loss-of-Function Mutation
Loss-of-Function Mutation
Signup and view all the flashcards
Chromosomal Deletion
Chromosomal Deletion
Signup and view all the flashcards
Chromosomal Duplication
Chromosomal Duplication
Signup and view all the flashcards
Biohazard Disposal
Biohazard Disposal
Signup and view all the flashcards
Sharps Container
Sharps Container
Signup and view all the flashcards
Regular Trash
Regular Trash
Signup and view all the flashcards
Autoclave
Autoclave
Signup and view all the flashcards
Reusable Materials
Reusable Materials
Signup and view all the flashcards
Chemical Container Safety
Chemical Container Safety
Signup and view all the flashcards
Unmarked Reagents
Unmarked Reagents
Signup and view all the flashcards
Proper Chemical Handling
Proper Chemical Handling
Signup and view all the flashcards
Acid Dilution
Acid Dilution
Signup and view all the flashcards
Interchromosomal insertion
Interchromosomal insertion
Signup and view all the flashcards
Intrachromosomal insertion
Intrachromosomal insertion
Signup and view all the flashcards
Genome Structural Variation
Genome Structural Variation
Signup and view all the flashcards
Gene amplification
Gene amplification
Signup and view all the flashcards
Mitochondrial DNA mutation
Mitochondrial DNA mutation
Signup and view all the flashcards
Nitrogenous base
Nitrogenous base
Signup and view all the flashcards
Nucleic acid
Nucleic acid
Signup and view all the flashcards
DNA
DNA
Signup and view all the flashcards
RNA
RNA
Signup and view all the flashcards
Complementary base pairing
Complementary base pairing
Signup and view all the flashcards
Molecular biology methods
Molecular biology methods
Signup and view all the flashcards
DNA cloning
DNA cloning
Signup and view all the flashcards
DNA extraction
DNA extraction
Signup and view all the flashcards
CRISPR-Cas9 system
CRISPR-Cas9 system
Signup and view all the flashcards
DNA synthesis
DNA synthesis
Signup and view all the flashcards
Parfocal microscope
Parfocal microscope
Signup and view all the flashcards
Focusing Procedure
Focusing Procedure
Signup and view all the flashcards
Field of View (FOV)
Field of View (FOV)
Signup and view all the flashcards
Low Power Field Diameter (LPD)
Low Power Field Diameter (LPD)
Signup and view all the flashcards
Micrometer
Micrometer
Signup and view all the flashcards
Longitudinal Section
Longitudinal Section
Signup and view all the flashcards
Cross Section
Cross Section
Signup and view all the flashcards
Resolution
Resolution
Signup and view all the flashcards
Oil Immersion Lens
Oil Immersion Lens
Signup and view all the flashcards
High Power Objective
High Power Objective
Signup and view all the flashcards
Microscope Objective Lens
Microscope Objective Lens
Signup and view all the flashcards
Total Magnification
Total Magnification
Signup and view all the flashcards
Field of View
Field of View
Signup and view all the flashcards
Oil Immersion Lens
Oil Immersion Lens
Signup and view all the flashcards
Compound Light Microscope
Compound Light Microscope
Signup and view all the flashcards
Stereomicroscope
Stereomicroscope
Signup and view all the flashcards
Microscope Immersion Oil
Microscope Immersion Oil
Signup and view all the flashcards
Phase Contrast Microscope
Phase Contrast Microscope
Signup and view all the flashcards
Fluorescent Microscope
Fluorescent Microscope
Signup and view all the flashcards
Light Source (Fluorescence)
Light Source (Fluorescence)
Signup and view all the flashcards
Fluorophore
Fluorophore
Signup and view all the flashcards
Side-illumination
Side-illumination
Signup and view all the flashcards
Objective Lens
Objective Lens
Signup and view all the flashcards
Phase Condenser
Phase Condenser
Signup and view all the flashcards
Epifluorescence
Epifluorescence
Signup and view all the flashcards
Filters (Fluorescence)
Filters (Fluorescence)
Signup and view all the flashcards
DNA synthesis
DNA synthesis
Signup and view all the flashcards
DNA array
DNA array
Signup and view all the flashcards
Mutations
Mutations
Signup and view all the flashcards
Spontaneous mutations
Spontaneous mutations
Signup and view all the flashcards
Induced mutations
Induced mutations
Signup and view all the flashcards
Water as a Solvent
Water as a Solvent
Signup and view all the flashcards
Hydrophilic Molecules
Hydrophilic Molecules
Signup and view all the flashcards
Hydrophobic Molecules
Hydrophobic Molecules
Signup and view all the flashcards
Acid
Acid
Signup and view all the flashcards
Base
Base
Signup and view all the flashcards
pH Scale
pH Scale
Signup and view all the flashcards
Buffer
Buffer
Signup and view all the flashcards
Biomolecules
Biomolecules
Signup and view all the flashcards
Hydrogen Bond
Hydrogen Bond
Signup and view all the flashcards
Buffer Capacity
Buffer Capacity
Signup and view all the flashcards
Dehydration Reaction
Dehydration Reaction
Signup and view all the flashcards
Hydrolysis Reaction
Hydrolysis Reaction
Signup and view all the flashcards
Monosaccharide
Monosaccharide
Signup and view all the flashcards
Disaccharide
Disaccharide
Signup and view all the flashcards
Polysaccharide
Polysaccharide
Signup and view all the flashcards
Amino Acid
Amino Acid
Signup and view all the flashcards
Triglyceride
Triglyceride
Signup and view all the flashcards
Phospholipid
Phospholipid
Signup and view all the flashcards
Protein Denaturation
Protein Denaturation
Signup and view all the flashcards
Lipid
Lipid
Signup and view all the flashcards
Types of Muscle Tissue
Types of Muscle Tissue
Signup and view all the flashcards
Smooth Muscle Function
Smooth Muscle Function
Signup and view all the flashcards
Cardiac Muscle Function
Cardiac Muscle Function
Signup and view all the flashcards
Skeletal Muscle Function
Skeletal Muscle Function
Signup and view all the flashcards
Skeletal Muscle Structure
Skeletal Muscle Structure
Signup and view all the flashcards
Muscle Fiber Structure
Muscle Fiber Structure
Signup and view all the flashcards
Neuromuscular Junction
Neuromuscular Junction
Signup and view all the flashcards
Muscle Contraction
Muscle Contraction
Signup and view all the flashcards
ATP Breakdown in Muscles
ATP Breakdown in Muscles
Signup and view all the flashcards
Muscle Protection of Organs
Muscle Protection of Organs
Signup and view all the flashcards
Skeletal Muscle Fascicle
Skeletal Muscle Fascicle
Signup and view all the flashcards
Muscle Fiber
Muscle Fiber
Signup and view all the flashcards
Fascia
Fascia
Signup and view all the flashcards
Tendons
Tendons
Signup and view all the flashcards
Origin (Muscle)
Origin (Muscle)
Signup and view all the flashcards
Insertion (Muscle)
Insertion (Muscle)
Signup and view all the flashcards
Agonist Muscle
Agonist Muscle
Signup and view all the flashcards
Antagonist Muscle
Antagonist Muscle
Signup and view all the flashcards
Muscle Types
Muscle Types
Signup and view all the flashcards
Skeletal Muscle Location
Skeletal Muscle Location
Signup and view all the flashcards
Skeletal Muscle Function
Skeletal Muscle Function
Signup and view all the flashcards
Sarcolemma
Sarcolemma
Signup and view all the flashcards
Sarcoplasm
Sarcoplasm
Signup and view all the flashcards
Sarcoplasmic Reticulum
Sarcoplasmic Reticulum
Signup and view all the flashcards
Myofibrils
Myofibrils
Signup and view all the flashcards
Myofilaments
Myofilaments
Signup and view all the flashcards
Motor Neuron
Motor Neuron
Signup and view all the flashcards
Neuromuscular Junction
Neuromuscular Junction
Signup and view all the flashcards
Synaptic Cleft
Synaptic Cleft
Signup and view all the flashcards
Acetylcholine (ACh)
Acetylcholine (ACh)
Signup and view all the flashcards
Sliding Filament Theory
Sliding Filament Theory
Signup and view all the flashcards
Sarcoplasm
Sarcoplasm
Signup and view all the flashcards
Myoglobin
Myoglobin
Signup and view all the flashcards
T tubule
T tubule
Signup and view all the flashcards
Sarcoplasmic reticulum
Sarcoplasmic reticulum
Signup and view all the flashcards
Myofibril
Myofibril
Signup and view all the flashcards
Myofilament
Myofilament
Signup and view all the flashcards
Sarcomere
Sarcomere
Signup and view all the flashcards
Sliding Filament Model
Sliding Filament Model
Signup and view all the flashcards
I band
I band
Signup and view all the flashcards
A band
A band
Signup and view all the flashcards
Study Notes
Biotechniques (BMS 34010A)
- Course offered Fall semester 2023-2024
- Instructor: Dr. Tania Tahtouh
- Email: [email protected]
Basic Principles: Biosafety in the Laboratory
- The lab setting presents hazards that need consideration during any exercise.
- Laboratory safety ensures protection of all personnel and safe equipment use.
- The disposal of contaminated materials and chemicals follows strict protocols.
Potential Laboratory Hazards
- Science labs present hazards like corrosive chemicals, sharp tools/glass, and open flames.
- Extreme caution is needed when handling open flames (e.g., Bunsen burners).
- Attention should be paid to materials near the flame.
- Infectious organisms also pose a threat; microorganisms are classified into biosafety levels (BSL).
- BSL levels (1, 2, 3, 4) are based on transmission ease and pathogenicity.
- Most undergraduate labs use BSL 1 organisms (cause no disease).
- Working with BSL 4 organisms demands extensive safety measures (e.g., specialized labs).
Standard Practices in the Laboratory
- Lab coats are crucial for contamination protection (microorganisms or corrosive substances).
- Coats should be appropriately sized for coverage without restricting movement.
- Lab coats are not chemical suits; remove immediately if on fire.
- Gloves should not touch surfaces outside the lab (door handles, etc.).
- Do not consume food, drink, or chew gum in the lab.
- Eating and drinking in a lab is prohibited to avoid hazardous substances.
- Do not apply makeup or adjust contacts while in a lab.
- The lab bench must remain clean.
- Cell phones, purses, bags, and other personal items must be stowed away from the benchtop.
- Never leave active experiments unattended, especially if they involve heating or visible reactions.
- Disinfect the lab bench before and after each experiment to prevent contamination.
- Correct hand washing techniques are essential; review module techniques.
- Follow correct hygiene procedures. Do not run or sit on benches.
- Tie back long hair and secure loose clothing when working with open flames.
- Goggles, safety glasses, or face shields are compulsory during UV light or chemical procedures.
- Safety glasses should be worn over glasses.
- Always wear closed-toed shoes to prevent chemical spills or dropped sharp objects from injuring feet.
- Know the location of lab safety equipment (eyewash, chemical shower, first aid kit, fire extinguisher).
- Adhere to chemical hygiene plans and policies.
Laboratory Safety Equipment
- Chemical hygiene plans protect personnel from potential health hazards of using chemicals.
- Fume hoods or biosafety cabinets must be used according to instructions or lab procedures.
Lab Emergencies
- In the event of a lab emergency (spill, injury, accidents), immediately notify the instructor.
- Report any spills, injuries, broken equipment, or other emergencies.
Biohazard Bin
- Biohazardous waste (non-reusable items, infectious organisms, body fluids) must be placed in appropriately-labelled bins or bags.
- Gloves worn while handling the biohazardous waste must also be disposed of in the bin.
- Sterilization using an autoclave is an option before final disposal.
Sharps Containers & Trash Cans
- Sharps containers are for disposing of broken glass, needles, used scalpel blades, or other sharp objects.
- Non-contaminated waste (paper, etc.) should be put in regular trash cans.
Reusable Materials
- Reusable materials requiring sterilization should be placed into the autoclave after use.
- These include tubes, glass rods or instruments requiring sterility for use.
- Materials not requiring sterilization can be washed in the sink (dissection tools, glassware, staining trays, etc).
General Guidelines for Handling Chemicals
- Keep chemical containers closed (dust, vapor escape).
- Never use wrong or unmarked reagents. If unsure, dispose of properly.
- Do not carry chemicals by their neck, instead use appropriate containers (e.g., buckets, trolleys).
- Always ensure labels face upward to prevent spills damaging the label.
- Never put a chemical into a container unless it is the correct chemical type.
- Handle concentrated acids with specialized precautions; add acid to water, gently stir.
The Importance of Hand Washing
- Good hand washing practices are essential in lab settings, especially in microbiology.
- Hands can be contaminated by infectious organisms, chemicals, stains, and potentially dangerous materials.
- Wash hands before, after, and whenever there's possible contamination.
Steps for Correct Hand Washing
- Remove all jewelry (rings, bracelets, etc.).
- Wet hands with clean running water and apply soap.
- Rub hands together to generate a lather.
- Scrub hands thoroughly, including fingers, backs of hands, and under nails (20 seconds).
- Rinse hands.
- Dry hands using a clean towel or air drying.
Metric Systems
- The SI (International System of Units) system is the preferred measurement system used by scientists.
- The English system is still used in the US and uses different units of measurement.
- The SI system is based on the number 10.
- SI system prefixes (e.g., kilo, hecto, deca, deci, centi, milli, micro) indicate multiples or fractions of 10.
- Units are essential in specifying measurements.
Microscopy: Types and Principles
- Biological objects, viewed with microscopes, vary in scale.
- Microscopes allow observation of small biological objects.
- Microscopy comes in various types, including:
- Light microscopy (compound, binocular dissecting/stereomicroscope, phase contrast, fluorescent, confocal)
- Electron microscopy (transmission electron, scanning electron).
Learning Outcomes: Microscopy
- Students should identify and understand the function of compound light microscope parts.
- Calculate total magnification using objective and ocular lenses.
- Follow microscope use procedures.
- Recognize the difference between low power and high power microscopy.
- Define field of view (at low and high power), longitudinal & cross sections, and resolution.
Light Microscope
- The simplest light microscope is a single magnifying glass.
- The specimen requires minimal preparation.
- Focusing is done via moving the lens/specimen relative to each other.
- Light source can typically be the sun, ambient indoor light.
- Detection mechanism is the human eye.
- Recording involves hand-drawing.
Compound Light Microscope
- Modern light microscopes have multiple combined lenses (condenser, objective, and eyepiece).
- Light source is often a lamp, focused onto the specimen.
- The image is magnified through the objective lens, and then projected onto an eye or digital camera.
The Parts of the Microscope and Their Function
- Functions of various microscope components (body tube, arm, stage, stage clips, coarse adjustment knob, fine adjustment knob, base, etc.).
Lenses and Their Magnifications
- Scanning (4x), low (10x), high (40x), oil immersion (100x).
- Total magnification is calculated by multiplying the ocular and objective lens magnifications.
Field of View
- The field of view is the observable area when looking through the microscope.
- The FOV is circular and its size varies based on the objective lens magnification.
Microscope Immersion Oil
- Immersion oil is typically needed with high magnification objective lenses.
Stereomicroscope, Phase Contrast, Fluorescent Microscope
- Stereomicroscope: used for observing large specimens, suitable for micromanipulation and dissection.
- Phase contrast microscope: enhances contrast for transparent/colorless samples (e.g., viewing unstained cells).
- Fluorescent microscope: widely used for highly specific labelling of cellular components. Microscopy method with typically white (fluorescent) on a black (non-fluorescent) background.
Fluorescent Proteins & Stains
- Fluorescent proteins and stains are used to specifically label and visualize components of the cells.
Immunofluorescence
- Technique involving specific antibodies conjugated with fluorescent dyes.
Confocal Microscopes
- Laser scanning confocal microscopes create optical sections of the specimen by scanning point by point.
Electron Microscopes
- Electron microscopes use electron beams for magnifying and focusing on the sample.
Rules for Microscope Use
- Keep both eyes open when viewing.
- Avoid touching the eyepiece with eyelashes.
- The lowest power objective should be positioned at the start and end of the observation.
- Use regular paper tissue/wipes for cleaning lenses.
- The microscope should not be tilted while viewing.
- Parts of the microscope should not be removed.
- Always find the object under low power before viewing using high power.
Focusing the Microscope
- Always begin focusing with the scanning power objective (4x).
- Use the coarse adjustment knob to lower the stage and slowly raise the stage while looking through the eye piece until the object comes into view.
- Use the fine adjustment knob to sharpen focus if needed.
Low Power Field Diameter (LPD)
- Measure the diameter of the field of view using the 10x (low power) objective and a ruler.
- Convert the measurement to micrometers (mm to µm).
- Calculate the size of a single cell by dividing the LPD by the number of cells.
Longitudinal Section vs Cross Section
- Longitudinal sections: cut through the long axis of an organ/structure.
- Transverse (cross) sections: cut through a horizontal plane.
Resolution
- Resolution is its ability to distinguish between two close objects in the specimen.
- Shorter wavelengths allow higher resolution.
- Visible light has a limit of about 300 nm, oil immersion allows 200 nm.
DNA Synthesis
- Artificial gene synthesis allows making DNA molecules without relying on natural DNA templates.
- Exact nucleotide sequence can be designed.
- Gene synthesis is often priced per base pair.
DNA Microarray
- DNA microarray (microarray) is a laboratory tool for analyzing gene expression with high throughput.
- The technique uses labeled DNA or RNA probes to detect target genes at different expression levels in the genome. Complementary sequences within a DNA molecule tend to bind one another.
Mutations and Causes
- Mutations are alterations within DNA sequences that change the structure of a gene.
- Mutations can be spontaneous (chemical instability or errors during replication) or induced by environmental factors, such as chemical mutagens or ionizing radiation.
Main Types of Mutations
- By the cell type, mutations can be classified as germline (in gametes, inheritable) or somatic (in other body cells).
- By size, mutations can be classified as point mutations (substitutions, insertions, deletions), chromosomal (deletion, duplication, inversion, translocation), and copy number variations (CNVs).
Point Mutations:
- Substitution (incorrect base added during replication).
- Insertion (one or more extra nucleotides).
- Deletion (one or more nucleotides skipped during replication).
- Types of point mutations (missense, nonsense, synonymous, and neutral).
Point Mutations: Types
- Missense (codon codes for a different amino acid).
- Nonsense (premature stop codon).
- Synonymous (same amino acid).
- Neutral (no change to function).
Point Mutations: Categorization
- Loss-of-function mutations: reduced/absent gene product or activity.
- Gain-of-function mutations: increased gene product or activity, causing potentially new or harmful traits.
Chromosomal Mutations:
- Deletion: a part of the chromosome is lost.
- Duplication: a part of the chromosome is repeated.
- Inversion: a region of the chromosome is flipped and reinserted.
- Insertion: the insertion of DNA sequence into a chromosome.
- Translocation: the exchange of chromosomes' segments.
Copy Number Variation (CNV)
- Gene amplification (increased number of tandem copies).
- Trinucleotide repeat expansion.
- Classification as forms of genome structural variation.
Mutation Hotspots
- Genomic areas prone to more mutations.
- Usually due to high accessibility to mutagens.
Mitochondrial DNA Mutations
- Inherited changes in mitochondrial DNA can cause problems in growth, development, and functioning.
- MtDNA mutations impact the mitochondria, affecting energy production.
PCR & Electrophoresis
- Techniques used in molecular biology for DNA amplification and analysis.
PCR Technique
- PCR is a technique for amplifying short DNA sequences.
- The method uses primers that target DNA sections for amplification.
- DNA polymerase is used to create numerous copies of the target sequence.
PCR Enzymes
- DNA polymerases, such as Taq and Pfu, are used to synthesize new DNA strands in PCR reactions.
TA Cloning
- TA cloning uses the non-template activity (TAq DNA polymerase) to add a single adenine nucleotide after the 3' end of a DNA fragment.
- Cloning vector with single 5' thymine overhang at each end is used.
- Enables cloning of amplified DNA products.
Gel Electrophoresis
- Method to separate DNA, RNA, or proteins according to size.
- DNA is negatively charged, so it moves towards the positive electrode.
- Separated molecules are observable based on their distinct sizes in a gel matrix.
DNA/RNA Ladders
- DNA/RNA ladders are reference mixtures.
- Commonly include standard sized DNA molecules of varying lengths.
- Used in gel electrophoresis to estimate the sizes of unknown samples.
Loading Buffer
- Used in gel electrophoresis to load DNA samples into wells.
- Usually contains a colored dye and a reagent to increase sample density.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
This quiz covers various types of mutations, their effects, and essential laboratory safety practices related to handling chemicals and biohazardous materials. It includes multiple-choice questions and matching exercises to reinforce understanding of genetic mutations and safe lab procedures.