Molecular Diagnostics Overview

A branch of biology focused on studying life at the molecular level, particularly the workings of genetic material.

A type of diagnostic testing that analyzes genetic material or specific proteins related to diseases, allowing for precise and personalized treatment.

Molecular tests used to identify if a specific therapy (called the 'companion') is likely to be successful for a particular patient.

Molecules or substances that can be used as indicators of disease or other health conditions.

The use of molecular diagnostics to understand an individual's genetic makeup and tailor medical care based on their unique characteristics.

The process of identifying pathogens (disease-causing agents) by analyzing their genetic material.

An area of molecular diagnostics focusing on the detection and analysis of infectious agents and their genetic variations.

The use of molecular diagnostics to screen blood donations for infectious diseases, ensuring the safety of blood products for recipients.

The process of isolating and purifying DNA from a blood sample.

A solution where the concentration of the solute is expressed as a percentage of the total solution weight.

A solution where the concentration of the solute is expressed as a specific number of parts per million.

A chemical that is used to break down cell membranes and release DNA.

A physical process that separates molecules based on their size and charge.

A technique that measures the ratio of absorbance at 260 nm and 280 nm to assess the purity of DNA.

The concentration of DNA in a solution, typically measured in ng/µl or µg/ml.

The process of storing DNA samples at low temperatures to prevent degradation.

A process that breaks down proteins into smaller peptides by using an enzyme called protease.

A type of enzyme that specifically breaks down RNA molecules into smaller fragments.

A technique used to separate cellular debris (proteins, lipids, and RNA) from DNA by clumping them together using a concentrated salt solution.

A process that separates different components of a mixture based on their densities, using a high-speed spinning motion.

A technique used to remove impurities (detergents, proteins, salts, and reagents) from DNA samples.

A common method for DNA precipitation that utilizes ice-cold ethanol or isopropanol, causing the DNA to clump together due to its insolubility in alcohol.

A method for DNA extraction where proteins are denatured by phenol, and the resulting aqueous phase containing DNA is then mixed with chloroform to remove any remaining phenol residues.

A technique for DNA purification where DNA binds to a solid phase (like silica) based on pH and salt concentration, allowing for purification of DNA from the solution.

The first step in DNA extraction, where cells are broken down to access the DNA in the nucleus.

Chemicals that disrupt the structure of water molecules, weakening interactions between DNA and water, making it easier for DNA to bind to the silica membrane.

The process of separating purified DNA from unwanted cellular components and PCR inhibitors.

A small, porous column containing a silica membrane that binds DNA.

The process of removing residual impurities and proteins from the silica membrane after DNA is bound.

The final step in DNA extraction, where purified DNA is released from the silica membrane.

A buffer used to elute DNA from the silica membrane. It is slightly basic to ensure DNA stability and solubility.

The solution used to break open cells and release their contents, including DNA.

To remove contaminants like proteins and heme, techniques like proteinase K digestion and phenol-chloroform extraction are used.

Heme, a component of hemoglobin, can be detected by its characteristic absorbance at 415 nm using a spectrophotometer.

You can confirm the presence of DNA by running an electrophoresis gel, where DNA bands will be visible under UV light.

DNA extraction is crucial for forensic scientists because it allows them to identify individuals from biological evidence, like blood or hair.

A process used to break down cell membranes and release DNA, often using specific chemicals and heat.

A specific type of centrifuge used in laboratories with high speed and force to separate mixtures based on density.

A measure of the purity of DNA, calculated by dividing the absorbance at 260nm (for DNA) by the absorbance at 280nm (for proteins). A ratio of 1.8 indicates pure DNA.

The process of adding a known volume of liquid to a sample to reduce the concentration of the solute, used for preparing DNA for analysis or experiments.

A type of column used in DNA purification to separate DNA from other cellular components, resulting in a more concentrated and purified DNA sample.