Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is a method used to detect specific DNA sequences in chromosomes. The technique uses fluorescent probes that bind to only those parts of the chromosome with a high degree of sequence similarity to the probe. This makes it possible to visualize individual chromosomes and specific regions within chromosomes. FISH can […]
Somatic cell hybridization is a method used to create recombinant DNA molecules. The technique involves combining DNA from two different sources, usually from different species. The resulting DNA molecule will contain genetic information from both parents. Somatic cell hybridization can be used to create transgenic animals or plants, which are organisms that contain foreign DNA. […]
What is an Antibody? The term antibody is used to describe a protein that is produced by the immune system in response to the presence of a foreign substance, known as an antigen. Antigens can be found on the surface of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. They can also be found on the surface of […]
What is a Chromosome? A chromosome is a long, continuous strand of DNA that contains many genes. Genes function as the basic unit of heredity in living cells, coding for various proteins. Each gene is located at a specific position on the chromosome, known as its locus. Chromosomes also contain non-coding regions of DNA, which […]
Unlike prokaryotes, eukaryotes must process mRNAs before they can be translated into proteins. The primary mRNA transcript is first made by transcription of the DNA by RNA pol II. The transcript contains both introns and exons, hence it is called heterogenous RNA (hRNA). The 5′ end of the hRNA is capped and a polyA tail […]
Dietary supplements are designed to provide nutrients that may otherwise be lacking in the diet. They can be used to improve overall health or to target specific conditions. For example, people who don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables may take a supplement containing vitamins A, C, and E to boost their intake of these important […]
In prokaryotic cells the focus of the regulation of gene expression is almost entirely at the level of the initiation of transcription. However, in eukaryotic cells, regulation of gene expression can occur at all stages of transcription and translation, and even at protein stability. Opportunities for Gene Regulation in Gene Expression in Eukaryotes Those common […]
Gene Regulation at Transcriptional Termination In the previous article we saw how RNA polymerase determines how to start transcription. In this article, we will examine how it decides to end transcription. Before we dive in, however, let’s take some time to remind ourselves of the lay of the land. So far, we are well familiar […]
In the next series of articles I will be covering transcription in prokaryotes. I suppose that this is a topic that you have been introduced to in previous biology classes that you have taken. We will get a more in-depth look into the subject. However, before we dive in, let’s review a few basic concepts. […]
