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Interfering Factors in Assay Design

There are several factors that may affect the sensitivity and reliability of an assay. These must be considered when selecting a signal amplification system.

1 Nov 2018

Fundamentals of Assay Design and Development

This article describes important factors that must be taken into account when designing an assay for the life sciences, including drug development.

1 Nov 2018

How Does Whole Genome Bisulfite Sequencing Work?

Recent advances in sequencing techniques have allowed whole genome sequencing to become more common and quicker. Whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) is one such next generation sequencing technique that allows users to analyze DNA methylation at single base resolution.

31 Oct 2018

Applications of Whole Genome Bisulfite Sequencing (WGBS)

Whole genome bisulfite sequencing, or WGBS, is a next-generation sequencing technique to analyze DNA methylation.

31 Oct 2018

What is High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Ultraviolet (HPLC-UV)?

High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Ultraviolet (HPLC-UV) is a technique used to separate molecules and measure their concentration.

31 Oct 2018

What is Pyrosequencing?

Pyrosequencing is a method of DNA sequencing that detects light emitted from nucleotide bases. By comparing the relative amount of light emitted, the sequence is uncovered.

31 Oct 2018

Keto- and Enol Tautomerism in Sugars

Ketones are in equilibrium with a form known as an enol. The name enol derives from the fact that enols are a combination of a carbonyl (C=O) containing group, such as an aldehyde or ketone and an alcohol hydroxyl (OH) group. The interconversion between these two forms arises from a process called tautomerism.

30 Oct 2018

Imine Hydrolysis

Imines are one of several reactive groups, called functional groups, that are present in a compound. The mechanism by which the compound reacts is attributed to the properties of its functional group.

30 Oct 2018

Overview of Strecker Amino Acid Synthesis

Strecker synthesis is one of several means of producing α-amino acids. α-amino acids are molecules, which contain an amine and carboxylic group that are separated by a single carbon (the α-carbon).

30 Oct 2018

Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction (HS-PME)

Headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-PME) is a technique which is used to prepare samples. This technique does not require the use of solvents, therefore it is suitable for preparing samples that are volatile, such as benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene and xylenes.

29 Oct 2018

The Relationship Between Serotonin and 5-HTP

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a naturally occurring amino acid produced from the essential amino acid L-tryptophan. 5-HTP is the precursor for neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that transmit a nerve impulse across neuronal gaps that are called synapses. These neurotransmitters include serotonin and melatonin.

29 Oct 2018

Antibody-Mediated Pathogen Resistance

Resistance to external pathogens by an organism’s immune system has been strongly debated by life scientists for many years. Mainly observed in plants, antibody-mediated pathogen resistance is achieved when the expression of certain antibodies or antibody fragments causes the external pathogen to be inactivated via antibody attachment.

29 Oct 2018

Structure and Role of Pili in Prokaryotes

Pili are short, hair-like structures on the cell surface of prokaryotic cells. They can have a role in movement, but are more often involved in adherence to surfaces, which facilitates infection, and is a key virulence characteristic.

29 Oct 2018

Cadherin Types and Role in Cell-Cell Adhesion

Cadherins are Ca2+ dependent cell-cell adhesion molecules that mediate adhesion between cells and tissues in organisms. They are differentiated into several types based on their location and properties.

29 Oct 2018

What is the difference Between a Phagocyte, Macrophage, Neutrophil and Eosinophil?

All these are different cells present in the immune system which are involved in fighting foreign bodies (such as microbes) or clearing dead cells.

29 Oct 2018

Macrophage to Foam Cell Differentiation Pathway

Macrophages differentiate into foam cells during the formation and progression of atherosclerosis. Understanding the process of this change during the progression of atherosclerotic plaques will allow for more efficient detection, treatments, and preventative measures for atherosclerosis.

29 Oct 2018

Supramolecular Assembly and Supermolecules

Supermolecules are formed from spontaneous assembly of linked molecular clusters of a unique composition, in a noncovalent manner, to form a larger final biological or chemical structure. The process of making a supermolecule is therefore thermodynamically favoured and involves a pre-designed assembly structure.

29 Oct 2018