Molecular Biology Techniques Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What is a significant advantage of using SAGE technology?

  • It's less expensive than RNA-seq.
  • It does not require a preexisting clone. (correct)
  • It can only measure known genes.
  • It does not offer quality control features.
  • RNA-seq requires prior knowledge of the genome to be effective.

    False (B)

    Which method is used to study alternative splicing events associated with diseases?

    RNA-seq

    SAGE requires sequencing more than _____ tags per sample.

    <p>50,000</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following technologies with their advantages:

    <p>SAGE = Built-in quality control features RNA-seq = Unbiased analysis of transcriptome</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a disadvantage of SAGE?

    <p>Can only identify known genes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Single-cell RNA-seq is a technique mainly used for studying individual cells to understand biological diversity.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In RNA-seq, what component of RNA is traditionally sequenced?

    <p>cDNA from the mRNA component</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an advantage of Reverse Transcriptase PCR?

    <p>High sensitivity to detect as few as 5 molecules (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The main purpose of Differential Display is to compare two RNA samples to identify novel genes.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does RT-PCR stand for?

    <p>Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In Reverse Transcriptase PCR, _____ is used to produce cDNA from mRNA.

    <p>reverse transcriptase</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes a disadvantage of open-ended technology?

    <p>It requires computer software that is still evolving. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT an application of DDRT-PCR?

    <p>Astronomy Studies (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    DDRT-PCR can be utilized for analyzing gene expression during specific phases of the cell cycle.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the PCR technique with its correct description:

    <p>Reverse Transcriptase PCR = Produces cDNA from mRNA Real Time PCR = Quantifies amplification during PCR Differential Display PCR = Isolates novel genes by comparing two samples Quantitative PCR = Measures the amount of DNA or RNA in real time</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of colony PCR in the screening process?

    <p>To amplify inserts directly from colonies (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Real Time PCR can produce results by measuring fluorescence after amplification is complete.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name one type of differentiation that DDRT-PCR can help identify genes for.

    <p>Hematopoiesis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    DDRT-PCR can identify genes related to __________, which are essential for cell proliferation.

    <p>cyclins</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the potential artifacts introduced during open-ended technology processes?

    <p>Distortion of the balance between abundant and rare RNA species</p> Signup and view all the answers

    End repair or A-tailing is performed after ligation to ensure effective integration of cDNA into vectors.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following applications of DDRT-PCR with their descriptions:

    <p>Cell Differentiation = Identifies genes regulated during development Stress Responses = Identifies genes responsive to environmental stress Cell Cycle Analysis = Investigates gene expression during cell cycle phases Microbial Pathogenesis = Studies disease-causing mechanisms in microbes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is precloning?

    <p>Precloning refers to the preparation steps taken before cloning cDNA fragments into vectors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one advantage of using DDRT-PCR in cell differentiation studies?

    <p>It allows comparison of multiple stages simultaneously. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The process of using labeled probes specific to the target cDNA is known as _____ .

    <p>Hybridization</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following methodologies with their descriptions:

    <p>Purification = Removing residual primers, nucleotides, and enzymes Restriction Enzyme Digestion = Creating compatible ends for ligation Ligation Protocol = Following specific protocols for inserting cDNA Transformation Efficiency = Maximizing yield using competent cells</p> Signup and view all the answers

    DDRT-PCR cannot reveal changes in gene expression during cell cycle arrest.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following factors should be considered when selecting a vector?

    <p>Type of promoter (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The ratio of cDNA insert to vector in a ligation protocol is typically 5:1.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of antibiotic resistance in vector selection?

    <p>Antibiotic resistance serves as a selection marker to identify successfully transformed cells.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can DDRT-PCR help identify in the context of cancer research?

    <p>Both oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    DDRT-PCR can be utilized to identify drug targets and mechanisms of drug resistance.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is analyzed to gain insight into why some cells are sensitive to drug action?

    <p>The difference between resistant and sensitive cells.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    DDRT-PCR has been applied in laboratories to identify genes involved in __________.

    <p>signal cascades</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following actions utilize DDRT-PCR?

    <p>Identifying deletions in a single allele (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    DDRT-PCR can only identify genetic differences in cancer cells.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What small differences in sequence does DDRT-PCR allow researchers to detect?

    <p>Deletions in the 3' UTR of genes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of DDRT-PCR?

    <p>To identify gene expression originating from nutrient deficiency (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    DDRT-PCR can only be performed on abundant mRNA samples.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of disorders has DDRT-PCR been used to gain insight into?

    <p>Cardiovascular disorders, neurological disorders, cancer, chronic idiopathic fatiguing illness</p> Signup and view all the answers

    DDRT-PCR can help identify genes that are expressed only under certain __________ conditions in vivo.

    <p>environmental</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following effects with their corresponding applications of DDRT-PCR:

    <p>Pathogenesis understanding = Insight into molecular mechanisms Novel markers identification = Diagnostics and therapy enhancement Nutrient deficiency effects = Gene expression alterations Low-abundance samples = Utilizing snap-frozen tissue</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    SAGE (Serial Analysis of Gene Expression)

    A method to determine the absolute abundance of each transcript expressed in a population of cells.

    SAGE's Open-Ended Technology

    The ability of SAGE to identify and quantify both known and novel genes or transcripts.

    RNA-Seq

    A method to sequence the entire transcriptome of a sample and compare it to another sample.

    Direct and Quantitative Measurement

    A key advantage of both SAGE and RNA-Seq, allowing for direct quantification of transcript abundance.

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    No Prior Genome Knowledge Required

    RNA-seq is not limited by pre-existing knowledge of the genome.

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    Gene Expression Profiling

    A key application of RNA-Seq, allowing for identification of genes that are expressed differently between two samples.

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    Single-Cell RNA-Seq

    A way to study cellular heterogeneity and diversity, especially in stem cell biology and neuroscience.

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    Sensitivity in RNA-Seq

    A measure of how well a technique can detect low levels of transcripts.

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    Transformation in DDRT-PCR

    The process of introducing ligated vectors (containing cDNA inserts) into bacterial cells, typically E. coli, for replication and amplification.

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    Selective Media in DDRT-PCR

    A method used to select for transformed bacteria containing desired cDNA inserts by growing them on media containing specific antibiotics.

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    Colony PCR

    A technique that allows researchers to amplify cDNA inserts directly from bacterial colonies, confirming the presence of desired genes.

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    Precloning

    A process involving steps taken before cloning cDNA fragments into vectors, ensuring the fragments are suitable for insertion and amplification.

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    Purification in Precloning

    The removal of residual primers, nucleotides, and enzymes from cDNA products after DDRT-PCR.

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    Restriction Enzyme Digestion in Precloning

    The use of restriction enzymes to create compatible ends on cDNA fragments and vectors, allowing them to be joined together during ligation.

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    Benefits of Precloning

    A method for increasing the efficiency of cloning by ensuring that cDNA fragments are appropriately prepared, leading to reduced noise from non-specific products.

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    Vector in DDRT-PCR

    A vector (plasmid or other DNA molecule) used in cloning experiments, typically containing elements like promoters, selection markers, and sequences compatible with downstream applications.

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    Differential Display

    A technique for studying gene expression by comparing the abundance of different RNA molecules in two or more samples. It involves generating cDNA from RNA, amplifying the cDNA using PCR, and then separating the amplified products on a gel. Bands that are present in one sample but not in another are then sequenced to identify the corresponding genes.

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    Real Time PCR

    A type of PCR that uses fluorescence to measure the amount of DNA produced in each cycle. It allows scientists to quantify the amount of specific DNA sequences in a sample, which is useful for studying gene expression.

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    RT-PCR

    A method that uses RT (reverse transcriptase) and PCR to create and quantify DNA copies from RNA.

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    High Cost of Open-Ended Technology

    A disadvantage of open-ended technology is the high cost of equipment and operation, which can be a significant barrier to entry for many researchers.

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    Distortion of RNA Abundance

    The amplification steps in open-ended technology can create imbalances in the representation of abundant and rare RNA species, potentially distorting the true picture of gene expression.

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    Artifacts in Selection and Hybridization

    Open-ended technologies may introduce errors or artifacts during selection and hybridization steps, potentially compromising the accuracy of the results.

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    Evolving Software and Algorithms

    Open-ended technology is still evolving and improving, as researchers continue to refine the software and algorithms used to analyze the data.

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    Limited Throughput of Open-Ended Technology

    Open-ended technologies have limitations in terms of throughput, making it challenging to analyze a large number of genes simultaneously.

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    In Vivo Drug Effect Analysis

    A technique that examines gene expression differences between groups of animals exposed to different treatments, such as nutrient deficiency or drug administration.

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    DDRT-PCR for Environmental Effects

    A method used to identify genes that are expressed only under specific environmental conditions, like nutrient deficiency or environmental stress.

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    DDRT-PCR for Low-Abundance Samples

    A technique for studying gene expression when only limited amounts of mRNA are available, like from small tissue samples.

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    DDRT-PCR for Pathogenesis

    A technique used to understand how genes are involved in the development and progress of diseases.

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    Candidate Genes in Disease

    Genes identified through DDRT-PCR that have potential to be used as markers for disease diagnosis or treatment.

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    Cell Differentiation

    The process by which an undifferentiated cell becomes specialized into a specific cell type, such as a nerve cell or blood cell.

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    Cell Cycle

    The ordered series of events that a cell goes through from its formation to its own division.

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    Cell Activation and Signaling

    A molecular event that triggers changes in gene expression, leading to cell growth, division, or other responses.

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    Marker Gene

    A gene or protein that is uniquely expressed in a specific cell type or developmental stage.

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    Mutation

    A change in the genetic code that alters the function of a gene, potentially leading to disease.

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    Drug Resistance

    The ability of an organism to resist the effects of a drug. DDRT-PCR can identify genes involved in this process.

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    Environmental Stress

    The study of factors that affect gene expression, such as nutrients, temperature, and pollutants.

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    DDRT-PCR (Differential Display Reverse Transcription-PCR)

    A technique used to identify genes with altered expression levels between different cell types, such as cancerous and healthy cells.

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    Oncogenes

    Genes that promote uncontrolled cell growth and contribute to cancer development.

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    Tumor Suppressor Genes

    Genes that normally suppress cell growth and division, but when mutated or inactivated can contribute to cancer development.

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    Signaling Cascades

    A set of proteins that transmit and amplify signals from the cell's environment to the nucleus, ultimately affecting gene expression and cellular functions.

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    Cell Surface Markers

    These molecules, located on the cell surface, can be used to identify or diagnose specific cell types, tissues, or even pathogens.

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    Mutation Detection

    A research technique for identifying genetic changes, such as deletions or insertions, within DNA.

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    Drug Resistance and Targets for Drugs

    DDRT-PCR can be applied to find new targets for drugs and to understand how drug resistance develops.

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    DDRT-PCR in Immune Response

    DDRT-PCR can identify genes that are differentially expressed during immune cell activation and differentiation.

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    Study Notes

    Differential Display

    • A powerful technique for analyzing differences in gene expression
    • Until 1992, subtractive hybridization was the only method to isolate differentially expressed genes
    • In 1992, Liang and Pardee developed a new PCR-based technique called Differential Display (DD)
    • DD focused on detecting differentially expressed genes among nearly 15,000 mRNA sequences in mammalian cells
    • First described for comparing messages between normal and tumorigenic cells
    • Effective identification and isolation of genes differentially expressed in various cells or under altered conditions is needed

    Why Measure Gene Expression?

    • More abundant genes/transcripts are assumed to be more important.
    • Gene expression levels are assumed to correspond to protein levels.
    • A normal cell has a standard expression profile/signature.
    • Changes in the expression profile indicate events are occurring.
    • Gene expression profiles represent a snapshot of cellular metabolism/activity at the molecular scale.
    • They represent cumulative interactions of many hard-to-detect events or phenomena.
    • Gene expression is a "proxy" measure for transcription/translation events.

    Introduction

    • The human genome has been completely sequenced.
    • Of an estimated 30,000 genes in the human genome, perhaps only 10-15% are "turned on."
    • Studying expressed genes has had a significant impact on biological research.
    • The challenge has shifted from identifying the parts of the human genome to understanding their function in health and disease, a field called "functional genomics" or "post-genomic area."

    High Throughput Measurement

    • Genomics: DNA
    • Transcriptomics: RNA
    • Proteomics: Protein
    • Metabolomics, Phenomics (etc.): Metabolite, Phenotype
    • A chart depicts a visual representation from easier to more challenging aspects of measurement.

    Measuring Gene Expression

    • Hybridization: Northern/Southern Blotting, DNA Microarrays or Gene Chips
    • Sequencing: Serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE), RNA-Sequencing
    • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based approaches: RT-PCR (real-time PCR), Differential display PCR (DD-PCR)

    Northern Blotting

    • Used to study gene expression by detecting RNA.
    • Also known as the RNA blot.
    • Workflow:
      • Separates mRNA on an agarose gel.
      • Transfers mRNA to a nitrocellulose filter.
      • Denatures and hybridizes with 32P-labeled complementary DNA probe.
      • Probe binds to membrane and forms double-stranded DNA-RNA hybrid.
      • Intensity of band indicates gene expression levels.

    Advantages and Disadvantages of Northern Blotting

    • Advantages: Inexpensive, quantitative method for measuring transcript abundance; well-used and well-understood technology; sensitive due to radioactive probes.
    • Disadvantages: Relies on radioactive labeling ("dirty" technology); quality control issues; old-fashioned technology; largely replaced by microarrays and other technologies.

    Microarray

    • High-throughput technology using Cy3 and Cy5 fluorescence for detection.
    • Measures the gene expression profile of a cell.
    • Microarrays are hybridized with labeled cDNA synthesized from a mRNA sample of some tissue
    • Intensity of label (radioactive or fluorescent) on each spot indicates gene expression.
      • One-dye arrays show the absolute expression level of each gene.
      • Two-dye arrays show the relative expression level of the same gene in two samples (labeled with different colors and mixed before hybridization).

    SAGE (Serial Analysis of Gene Expression)

    • SAGE = Serial Analysis of Gene Expression
    • Converts every mRNA molecule into a short (10-14 base), unique tag.
    • Based on serial sequencing of 10-14 bp tags unique to each gene.
    • Determines the absolute abundance of every transcript in a population of cells.
    • Does not require a preexisting clone (unlike microarrays), allowing identification and quantitation of new genes/transcripts.

    Advantages and Disadvantages of SAGE

    • Advantages: Very direct and quantitative method of measuring transcript abundance; open-ended technology; built-in quality control.
    • Disadvantages: Expensive and time-consuming; requires sequencing >50,000 tags per sample; best used with fully sequenced genomes; 3' ends of some genes can be highly polymorphic.

    RNA-Seq

    • Same concept as sequencing ESTs and counting SAGE tags.
    • Describes a collection of experimental and computational methods to determine the identity and abundance of RNA sequences in biological samples.
    • Sequences the cDNA from the mRNA component of a sample and compares against the transcriptome of another sample (using NGS).

    Advantages and Disadvantages of RNA-Seq

    • Advantages: High throughput; avoids radioactivity; kit systems and commercial suppliers make microarrays easy to use; uses many "high-tech" techniques and devices.
    • Disadvantages: Relatively expensive; microarrays are subject to cross-hybridization bias; quality and quality control is highly variable; analysis and interpretation is difficult; measurements relative to a control specimen.

    Reverse Transcriptase PCR

    • Two kinds of "RT-PCR":
      • One uses reverse transcriptase (RT) to produce cDNA from mRNA.
      • Other uses real-time (RT) methods to monitor PCR amplification.
    • Real-Time PCR measures and quantifies reaction during amplification.
    • A quantitative method to quantify mRNA and cDNA in real-time.
    • Measures fluorescence increase with each PCR cycle.
    • Generates quantitative fluorescence data at the earliest PCR cycle phases (highest replication fidelity).

    Advantages and Disadvantages of Real Time PCR

    • Advantages:
      • Sensitive assay
      • Highly quantitative
      • Highly reproducible
      • Detects only a few molecules.
      • Excellent dynamic range, linear over several orders of magnitude.
    • Disadvantages:
      • Expensive (instruments > $ 150K, materials also expensive).
      • Not a high throughput system (10's to 100's of genes, not 1000's).
      • Can pick up RNA carryover or contaminating RNA, leading to false positives.

    Differential Display

    • A popular method for isolating novel genes in various biological systems. (e.g., carcinogenesis, hormone regulation, plant biology, neurobiology)
    • Basic Idea: Run two RNA (cDNA) samples side-by-side on a gel; excise and sequence bands present in one lane but not the other.
    • Trick: Reduce sample complexity by making cDNA with primers to target a specific, smaller subset of transcripts.

    Differential display PCR (DDRT-PCR)

    • Takes advantage of RT-PCR, cDNA cloning, and DNA sequencing gel electrophoresis.
    • Also known as DDRT-PCR or DD-PCR.
    • A researcher typically studies at least two samples, but more can be studied if the experiment suggests it.

    Differential Display-PCR (DDRT-PCR)

    • A variation of standard PCR that allows for amplification.
    • Displays subsets of mRNAs from different cell types or tissues.
    • Can be used for isolating genes of interest.
    • General Strategy:
      • Reverse transcription using an anchor primer.
      • PCR using the anchor primer and an arbitrary primer.
      • Separating the PCR product by electrophoresis and visualization.

    Advantages of DDRT-PCR

    • Sensitive technique.
    • No special equipment needed.
    • Rapid and simple assays; increased sensitivity and reproducibility; possibility to perform effective search with very small amounts of RNA; ability to compare different cell populations; no prior information about mRNA needed.

    Disadvantages of DDRT-PCR

    • High frequency of false positive results (>70%).
    • Primer binding to nonspecific sequences.
    • Not useful in single mode; insufficient to cover all genes expressed in tissue; Not easily automated or scaled-up; fairly expensive to get hundreds of different clones.

    Potential Applications of DDRT-PCR

    • Answering biological questions in mammalian and other nonfungal systems. (Many same biological enigmas exist in medical mycology).
    • Adaptable to fungal systems. -Examples (applications):
    • Cell Differentiation
    • Cell Cycle and Life Stages.
    • Cell Activation and Signaling
    • Markers and Mutations
    • Drug Resistance and Targets for Drugs
    • Nutritional and Environmental Stress
      • Low Abundance Samples and In Vivo-Expressed Genes
      • Pathogenesis.

    Effective Modifications for Differential Display

    • Reamplification (clone screening, precloning, vector sequences protocols)
    • Screening (large screens, use of cDNA instead of RNA, detection methods-Radioactivity, staining, fluorescence,Chemiluminescence(DIG-labeled, no radiation) )

    Reamplification: Methodology

    • Isolation of cDNA: Excise cDNA fragments from agarose gels after initial amplification; purify.
    • Ligation into vectors: Ligate the purified cDNA into suitable cloning vectors.
    • Transformation: Introduce the ligated vectors into competent bacterial cells (e.g., E. coli).
    • Screening: Plate transformed cells on selective media; screen colonies using: colony PCR, hybridization, sequencing .

    Reamplification: Precloning

    • Refers to preparation steps taken before cloning fragments into vectors to ensure fragments are appropriate for subsequent insertion/amplification.
    • Methodology:
      • Purification: Purify cDNA products from DDRT-PCR removing residual primers, nucleotides, and enzymes.
      • Restriction enzyme digestion: Digest cDNA with restriction enzymes to create compatible ends for ligation; End repair or A-tailing.

    Reamplification: Vector Sequences Protocols

    • Methodology:
      • Selection of Vector: Choose a vector based on factors such as promoter type(constitutive/inducible), selection markers (e.g., antibiotic resistance), and compatibility with downstream applications (e.g., expression systems.)
      • Ligation Protocol: Follow specific protocols for ligating cDNA into vectors, including molar ratios of insert to vector (typically 3:1); incubation with T4 DNA ligase under optimal conditions.
      • Transformation Efficiency: Use competent cells with high transformation efficiency.

    Screening: Methodology

    • 96-well technologies: Increased throughput; different samples/conditions in each well in a 96-well plate.
    • Hybridization filter arrays: Enables simultaneous hybridization of cDNA samples to a membrane containing probes; rapid method for confirming differential expression.
    • Reverse Northern assays: Hybridize labeled cDNA to a membrane with immobilized RNA; quick way to assess gene expression levels.

    Detection

    • Radioactivity: [a-35S]dATP; intense labeling of small fragments; increased physical protection required.
    • Staining (e.g., silver staining): Direct visualization; less sensitive; procedures difficult to control and results inconsistent.
    • Fluorescence: Safety, stability; low cost; disposal; high throughput useful when screening many mRNA species .
    • Chemiluminescence (e.g., digoxigenin (DIG)-labeled cDNA probes): Sensitive, no radioactivity; easy quantification and visualization; enhancement of result reliability.

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    Description

    Test your knowledge on various molecular biology techniques, particularly SAGE, RNA-seq, and Reverse Transcriptase PCR. This quiz covers advantages, disadvantages, and applications of these technologies. Perfect for students and enthusiasts in the field of genetics and molecular biology.

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