Revision Guide: Tools and Technologies

Microscopy is essential for observing microscopic structures. Light, electron, and fluorescence microscopy allow visualization of cells and organelles, enhancing biological research.

Robert Hooke coined the term 'cell' in 1665 after observing cork. His findings, along with Schleiden and Schwann's work, laid the foundation for cell theory.

Centrifugation separates particles based on density by spinning samples at high speeds. It helps isolate cellular components like organelles and biomolecules.

Differential centrifugation separates components based on size and density, while density-gradient centrifugation uses gradients to isolate similar-sized particles.

Electrophoresis separates DNA, RNA, and proteins based on charge and size in an electric field, allowing analysis and visualization of biomolecule samples.

Agarose gel electrophoresis is crucial for analyzing DNA fragments. DNA migrates towards a positive electrode, with smaller fragments moving faster.

Ethidium bromide intercalates DNA, allowing visualization under UV light. It is a carcinogen and must be handled cautiously in labs.

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) quantitatively measures antigens or antibodies in samples. Variants include direct, indirect, and sandwich ELISA.

Chromatography separates mixtures using a stationary phase and a mobile phase. Techniques include adsorption, ion-exchange, and affinity chromatography.

Spectroscopy identifies and quantifies substances by analyzing light interaction with matter. Techniques include UV-visible, infrared, and nuclear magnetic resonance.

The Beer-Lambert Law relates absorbance to concentration and path length, essential for quantitative analysis of solutions in spectrophotometry.

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) uses fluorescent probes to identify specific gene locations on chromosomes, useful in genetic studies.

Sanger (chain termination) and Maxam-Gilbert (chemical cleavage) methods are key DNA sequencing techniques, built upon for modern approaches.

NGS allows rapid sequencing of large genomes through massively parallel reactions, revolutionizing genetic research.

Microarrays analyze gene expression levels in parallel by hybridizing labeled cDNA to probes on a chip, allowing large-scale studies.

Flow cytometry counts and characterizes cells as they flow past a laser, using fluorescent tags for specific detection of cellular properties.

PAGE separates proteins based on size, using anionic detergents like SDS to provide uniform charge, crucial for protein analysis.

Tracking dyes like bromophenol blue help monitor progress in electrophoresis, essential for ensuring proper separation of biomolecules.

Protein purification methods like chromatography and electrophoresis are essential for isolating specific proteins for functional and structural analysis.

Quality control checks in lab techniques prevent contamination/errors, ensuring reliable results in biotechnology experiments, critical for research integrity.

Retention factors in chromatography indicate interaction strength between solute and stationary phase, critical for interpreting results and optimizing conditions.