Experimental Techniques

Question 1

MTT Assay

Answer 1

The MTT Assay or the Cell Viability Assay measures the viability of cells in response to administered drugs/chemicals.

Question 2

RT-PCR

Answer 2

RT-PCR stands for reverse transcriptase PCR and is a tool to measure the levels of mRNA in a cell type by forming the cDNA and amplifying it. Amplification occurs by the action of a thermostable polymerase (Taq polymerase).

Question 3

PIA

Answer 3

The PIA or the Plasma Inhibitory Assay is a technique used to measure the effects of plasma on the activation/deactivation of cellular proteins.

Question 4

In vitro kinase assay

Answer 4

This is a technique where the biochemical activity of a kinase is measured outside of a biological system.

Question 5

ELISA

Answer 5

This stands for Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay and is commonly used to detect ligand in liquid samples. It does this by utilizing an antibody directed against the protein being measured.