Band Class
In molecular biology, we take advantage of many instruments. No, not the ones found in band class, I just thought that was a clever title because instruments.... get it?
Okay, moving on. This week I will be discussing some instruments that have made their mark in our molecular world. The usage of instruments within a molecular lab are in variation and also very versatile, as a biologist may need the same instrument to play along to the next experimentation. When you think of molecular biology the intermediate thought that come to mind is the need of biochemistry understanding of what exactly is going on in the cell, which of course is the goal. However, we cannot begin to understand those processes until we go to the molecular level, which for that it requires PCR.
Now, what in the world is PCR? PCR is defined as taking the ability of the DNA polymerase and creating a complementary DNA strand, and using primers to express specified gene expressions. However, in order for PCR to actually become true and accurate you require a micropipetter, which is an instrument that is capable of calculating micro liters-mililiters, making it a highly specific instrument. By using this pitter it allows us to measure very calculated amounts of both the sample that is being experimented, and the chemicals required for breaking the bonds that hold DNA so tightly. When actually causing the DNA to separate we then add primers in order for the complementary DNA that will be produced will begin with the primer that is controlled and predetermined. Afterwards it is placed within a form of a heated container that will assist in separating the DNA apart.
After this is done, by the use of a micropipetter we take our sample and then place it within a gel electrophoresis, which contains 4 chambers where it will be hooked up to a electric current through the gel, that will then excite the particles coming from the sample, and will then go through intervals. These intervals will allows us to see the separation of the samples DNA material, which will then be compared by a control strand, and 3 other tested strands. Through this we will see the comparisons between each strand, and how similar they are to one another. This instrument is the most crucial because should this instrument were to fail then the results would be incorrect. The instrument is a mixture of different chemicals in order to create the gel (Agarose gel), which then through two main chambers filled with water, will have an electronic current running through it by the use of two different rods that are inserted that one will carry a negative charge and the other a positive charge.
After the full process is completed, and the sampled that started at the anterior end is now found on the posterior end of the gel, the gel is taken into a microarray scanner. This scanner allows us to view our results, and if the processes was successful in retrieving all data across. There are draw backs, which are extremely tedious to the second of how long the samples were placed in the heated container or how long it lasted in the centrifuge. These sorts of results come at the risk of them becoming inconclusive, but they are the best measures to take especially when it comes to accuracy in comparison.
However risky the process could be, this is the best method and also best tools that are commonly used within a molecular biological setting. Without our instruments, we as scientist hit a wall in the world of curiosity and discovery.
Link of articles:
Okay, moving on. This week I will be discussing some instruments that have made their mark in our molecular world. The usage of instruments within a molecular lab are in variation and also very versatile, as a biologist may need the same instrument to play along to the next experimentation. When you think of molecular biology the intermediate thought that come to mind is the need of biochemistry understanding of what exactly is going on in the cell, which of course is the goal. However, we cannot begin to understand those processes until we go to the molecular level, which for that it requires PCR.
Now, what in the world is PCR? PCR is defined as taking the ability of the DNA polymerase and creating a complementary DNA strand, and using primers to express specified gene expressions. However, in order for PCR to actually become true and accurate you require a micropipetter, which is an instrument that is capable of calculating micro liters-mililiters, making it a highly specific instrument. By using this pitter it allows us to measure very calculated amounts of both the sample that is being experimented, and the chemicals required for breaking the bonds that hold DNA so tightly. When actually causing the DNA to separate we then add primers in order for the complementary DNA that will be produced will begin with the primer that is controlled and predetermined. Afterwards it is placed within a form of a heated container that will assist in separating the DNA apart.
After this is done, by the use of a micropipetter we take our sample and then place it within a gel electrophoresis, which contains 4 chambers where it will be hooked up to a electric current through the gel, that will then excite the particles coming from the sample, and will then go through intervals. These intervals will allows us to see the separation of the samples DNA material, which will then be compared by a control strand, and 3 other tested strands. Through this we will see the comparisons between each strand, and how similar they are to one another. This instrument is the most crucial because should this instrument were to fail then the results would be incorrect. The instrument is a mixture of different chemicals in order to create the gel (Agarose gel), which then through two main chambers filled with water, will have an electronic current running through it by the use of two different rods that are inserted that one will carry a negative charge and the other a positive charge.
After the full process is completed, and the sampled that started at the anterior end is now found on the posterior end of the gel, the gel is taken into a microarray scanner. This scanner allows us to view our results, and if the processes was successful in retrieving all data across. There are draw backs, which are extremely tedious to the second of how long the samples were placed in the heated container or how long it lasted in the centrifuge. These sorts of results come at the risk of them becoming inconclusive, but they are the best measures to take especially when it comes to accuracy in comparison.
However risky the process could be, this is the best method and also best tools that are commonly used within a molecular biological setting. Without our instruments, we as scientist hit a wall in the world of curiosity and discovery.
Link of articles:
- https://www.pomona.edu/academics/departments/molecular-biology/facilities
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/probe/docs/techpcr/
- https://www.yourgenome.org/facts/what-is-gel-electrophoresis
Great overview of some major tools and protocols of molecular biology! Getting hands on experience in a molecular lab this semester has been exciting and fun. It is neat to understand some of the basics and why a researcher might employ a certain tool or protocol. Honestly, I always thought I would hate bench research, but I am starting to think it is pretty cool. I still do not think I want to be a researcher as a career, but I have a newfound respect and appreciation for those who choose to do lab research as a profession. There is so much good that can come from the information gained in a research lab.
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