Final Exam Flashcards
technology by which RNA molecules are converted into their complementary DNA (cDNA) sequences by any one of several reverse transcriptases. This cDNA is then amplified, and particular targets are identified using a method known as Quantitative PCR (qPCR) or real-time PCR.
Quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR)
RT-qPCR is technology by which __ molecules are converted into their __ __ (__) sequences by any one of several __ __. This __ is then __, and particular targets are identified using a method known as __ __ (__) or __ __.
- RNA
- complementary DNA (cDNA)
- reverse transcriptase
- cDNA
- amplified
- Quantitative PCR (qPCR)
- real-time PCR
used to detect and quantify RNA.
Quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR)
In RT-qPCR what is used as the template for the quantitative PCR or real-time PCR reaction (qPCR)?
complementary DNA (cDNA)
What methods are combined in RT-qPCR (Reverse Transcription Quantitative PCR)? (3)
- Reverse Transcription: Converts RNA into DNA.
- Real-Time PCR: Amplifies and quantifies DNA in real-time.
- Fluorescence Spectrophotometry: Measures fluorescence signals.
What are the applications of RT-qPCR? (5)
- Measure the levels of gene expression.
- Validate RNA interference for gene loss of function studies.
- Identify pathogens to diagnose infectious diseases.
- Analyze gene expression or detect viral mRNA.
- Detect genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
types of RT-qPCR (2)
- One-step RT-qPCR
- Two-step RT-qPCR
A type of RT-qPCR that combines reverse transcription and PCR in a single tube and buffer, using a DNA polymerase.
Only utilizes sequence-specific primers.
One-step RT-qPCR
A type of RT-PCR that is faster,
less pippeting steps, minimizes possible contamination, improves data reproducibility, and compatible with high-throughput.
One-step RT-qPCR
Since __ __ __ __ can withstand the higher temperatures required for sequence-specific primer annealing, they are frequently used in one-step RT-qPCR experiments.
Genetically modified reverse transcriptase
A type of RT-qPCR where reverse transcription and PCR steps are performed in separate tubes, with different optimized buffers, reaction conditions, and priming strategies.
Two-step RT-qPCR
A type of RT-qPCR where that may employ random hexamers, oligo-dT primers, or gene-specific primers.
Two-step RT-qPCR
What primers may be employed in Two-step RT-qPCR? (3)
- Random hexamers
- oligo-dT primers
- gene-specific primers.
How does Two-step RT-qPCR enhance amplification efficiency?
Separate buffers and reagents allow for optimal selection of enzymes and reagents.
What advantage does the first step of Two-step RT-qPCR offer?
More stable cDNA can be concentrated, purified, and stored for multiple gene quantification
Steps in RT-qPCR (4)
Extraction of RNA → Reverse transcription → Amplification → Quantification
Steps in Extraction of RNA (qRT-PCR) (3)
Sample collection and lysis → Separation of RNA from DNA and other cellular components → RNA Purification
Steps in Reverse transcription (RT-qPCR) (2)
Reverse transcription
Priming → Reverse Transcriptase in Action
Types of Primers in Reverse Transcription (4)
- Standard oligo dT
- Anchored oligo dT
- Random primers
- Gene-specific primers
Steps in the Amplification (RT-qPCR) (3)
Denaturation through increased temperature → Annealing of primers → Extension of primer by DNA polymerase
What is the role of the oligo dT primer in RT-PCR?
The oligo dT primer initiates cDNA synthesis by binding to the poly A tail of mRNA.
Why do scientists often use a combination of oligo dT and random hexamer primers in RT-PCR?
slows down the processivity of the reverse transcriptase enzyme.
How do normal PCR and RT-PCR differ in terms of templates and primers used?
Template:
- Normal PCR: template DNA
- RT-PCR: mRNA.
Primers:
- Normal PCR: forward and reverse primers
- RT-PCR: oligo dT, anchored oligo dT, random primers, and gene-specific primers.
What are the optimal working temperatures for Taq polymerase and reverse transcriptase?
- 72°C
- 50°C
Steps in the Quantification (RT-qPCR) (3)
Addition of Fluorescent reporters like Sybr green dye or Taqman probe → Monitoring fluorescent signals per cycle → Noting the CT value
How does PCR monitor DNA amplification?
PCR uses fluorescent signals to monitor DNA amplification as the reaction progresses.
What are the two main types of fluorescence used in qPCR? (2)
- Intercalating dyes (like SYBR Green)
- hydrolysis probes (like TaqMan).
- a phase which does not move with the sample
- This is the substance within the column that the sample components interact with, causing separation.
stationary phase
- a phase which moves with the sample.
- a chemically inert gas that serves to carry the molecules of the analyte through the heated column.
mobile phase
a common stationary phase: Commonly used for separating hydrocarbons and other nonpolar compounds. Examples include dimethylpolysiloxane.
Nonpolar phase
A common stationary phase: Used for separating polar compounds such as alcohols, acids, and amines. Examples include polyethylene glycol.
Polar phase
a chromatographic technique that can separate a mixture of compounds and is used in biochemistry and analytical chemistry to identify, quantify, and purify the individual components of the mixture.
High-pressure/performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
Basic principles of HPLC (3)
- Separation
- Identification
- Quantification
It separates compounds based on their interactions with a stationary phase (a solid or liquid supported on a solid) and a mobile phase (a liquid solvent that flows through the stationary phase).
High-pressure/performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
How does HPLC identify compounds?
Each compound interacts differently with the stationary and mobile phases, causing them to elute at different times. This difference in elution times allows for identification.
How does HPLC quantify compounds?
The amount of each compound is determined by measuring the area under the peaks in the chromatogram.
Components of the HPLC System (5)
- Gradient pump
- Injector
- Column
- Detector
- Data system
Types of pumps for the HPLC System (3)
- Reciprocating pumps
- Syringe pumps
- Constant pressure pumps
A type of pump for the HPLC system that use a piston mechanism to generate high pressure. These are the most common due to their ability to deliver consistent flow rates and handle high pressures.
Reciprocating pumps
A type of pump for the HPLC system that provide very precise flow rates and is often used for applications requiring exact volume deliveries.
Syringe pumps
A type of pump for the HPLC system that maintain a constant pressure rather than a constant flow rate, which can be useful in specific analytical situations.
Constant pressure pumps
The HPLC pump is crucial for maintaining a consistent flow of the __ __ through the system. It operates at high pressures, typically between __ to __ psi (pounds per square inch), to push the __ and sample through the densely packed __.
- mobile phase
- 1,000 to 10,000 psi
- mobile phase
- column
In the HPLC pump, the __ introduces the sample mixture into the mobile phase stream. It must be precise and reproducible to ensure consistent sample volumes are __ each time.
- injector
- injected
Two main types of injector in HPLC pump (2)
- Manual injectors
- Auto-samplers
A type of injector that the sample is injected manually using a syringe.
manual injectors
A type of injector that automatically inject samples from vials loaded in a sample tray. This allows for high throughput analysis and reduces human error.
auto-samplers
the heart of the HPLC system where separation occurs. It is packed with fine particles (stationary phase) that interact differently with the components of the sample. It varies in length, diameter, and the nature of the stationary phase material.
Column
Columns vary in length, diameter, and the nature of the stationary phase material. Key considerations include: (3)
- Length and diameter
- Particle size
- Stationary phase
How does column length and diameter affect HPLC analysis?
Shorter columns provide faster analysis times, while longer columns offer better separation.
How does particle size influence HPLC performance?
Smaller particles offer greater surface area for interactions, leading to better separation, but require higher pressure.
What factors determine the type of stationary phase used in HPLC?
The stationary phase can be polar or non-polar, depending on the type of HPLC (normal-phase or reverse-phase).
A component in HPLC that identifies and quantifies the separated components as they elute from the column. Different types of these are used based on the properties of the analytes and the requirements of the analysis.
Detector
Different types of detectors in HPLC (4)
- UV-Vis Detectors
- Fluorescence Detectors
- Refractive Index Detectors
- Mass Spectrometers (LC-MS)
Type of detector in HPLC that measure absorbance of ultraviolet or visible light by the analyte. Widely used due to their sensitivity and ease of use.
UV-Vis Detector
Type of detector in HPLC that detects fluorescence emitted by analytes. They are more sensitive than UV-Vis detectors but require analytes that fluoresce or can be derivatized to fluoresce.
Fluorescence Detector
Type of detector in HPLC that measures changes in the refractive index of the eluent. Useful for compounds without UV absorption but less sensitive and more susceptible to temperature changes.
Refractive Index Detectors
Type of detector in HPLC that provides highly sensitive and specific detection by identifying compounds based
on their mass-to-charge ratio.
Mass Spectrometers (LC-MS)
In HPLC, it consists of computer software that collects, processes, and analyzes data from the detector. It generates a chromatogram, which is a graphical representation of the detector response (y-axis) over time (x-axis).
data system
How HPLC works 1/2 The separation principle of HPLC relies on the distribution of the __ (__) between a mobile phase (__) and a __ __ (column packing material). The analyte’s chemical structure causes the molecules to be delayed as they pass through the __ __. The specific interactions between the sample molecules and the packing material determine their time “__-__.” Consequently, different sample components are eluted at different times, achieving the separation of the sample’s ingredients. A __ __ identifies the analytes as they exit the column. The signals are then converted and recorded by a data management system (computer software) and displayed in a __.
- analyte (sample)
- eluent
- stationary phase
- stationary phase
- on-column
- detection unit
- chromatogram
How HPLC works 2/2 After passing the detection unit, the __ __ can be directed to additional detectors, a fraction collection unit, or waste. Typically, an HPLC system includes the following components: a solvent reservoir, a pump, an injection valve, a column, a detector unit, and a data processing unit. The __ delivers the solvent (__) at high pressure and a constant rate through the system. To minimize detector signal drift and noise, maintaining a constant, pulseless flow from the pump is essential. The analyte (__) is introduced into the __ via the __ __
- mobile phase
- pump
- eluent
- sample
- eluent
- injection valve
a quantitative analysis useful for determining the macronutrient content of a substance, used often in the food industry
proximate analysis
used for estimation of the quantitative of food and food substance including moisture, crude protein, total fat, total carbohydrate, and dietary fiber.
proximate analysis
Proximate analysis has several procedures to detect each macronutrient. The commonly determined ones are tests for: (5)
- Moisture - Water content of the sample
- Ash content - Weight of inorganic matter in sample
- Crude protein - Protein content
- Crude lipid - Fat content
- Crude fiber - Fiber content
Method for the Determination of Moisture Content %
- Containers (dishes/pans) are weighed and heated to dry completely, then weighed again after drying
- A solid sample is ground up fine and weighed into a covered dish, at least 3 replicates
- The sample is heated in an oven to 105-115 Celsius for 16-24 hours, depending on the sample
- Sample is taken out of oven and cooled in a desiccator
- Weight is taken and recorded
- Moisture content is computed
Moisture content is computed with the equation:
Moisture % = (S-X)/(S-C) * 100
S = weight of sample and container prior to drying
C = weight of the container
X = weight of sample and container after drying
S - C = weight of sample
S - X = weight of sample after drying
Method for the Determination of Ash Content% (8)
- Porcelain dish is weighed and heated to dry completely, then weighed again after drying
- A solid sample is ground up fine and weighed into a covered dish, at least 3 replicates
- The sample is heated in an oven at 105 Celsius for 3 hours to dry.
- The dried sample is set in a muffle furnace at 500-600 Celsius until grayish white.
- If repeats are necessitated (grayish white not achieved, some parts of sample are unevenly heated), moisten sample with distilled water and repeat step 4 and 3, moistening slightly in
between repeats until sample is grayish white - Sample is taken out of oven and cooled in a desiccator
- Weight is taken and recorded
- Ash content is computed
Determination of Crude Protein % (Digestion)
- Sample is ground and placed in a Kjeldahl digestion flask
- Concentrated sulfuric acid is added to the flask. Catalysts such as mercury (I) sulfate or copper (II) sulfate could be added to speed up the reaction. This will convert nitrogen from proteins in the sample into ammonium sulfate.
- The flask is heated until the solution is clear, generally around 370 Celsius. Clarity of the solution indicates the completion of digestion. It could be cooled and reheated to ensure total reaction.
Determination of Crude Protein % (Digestion) 1/2:
1. Sample is ground and placed in a __ __ __
2. __ __ __ is added to the flask. Catalysts such as __ __ or __ __ could be added to speed up the reaction. This will convert __ from __ in the sample into __ __.
3. The flask is heated until the solution is clear, generally around __ Celsius. __ of the solution indicates the completion of digestion. It could be cooled and reheated to ensure total reaction.
1) - Kjeldahl digestion flask
2) - Concentrated sulfuric acid
- mercury (I) sulfate
- copper (II) sulfate
- nitrogen
- proteins
- ammonium sulfate
3) - 370
- Clarity
Method for the Determination of Ash Content%:
1. __ __ is weighed and heated to dry completely, then weighed again after drying
2. A solid sample is ground up fine and weighed into a covered dish, at least __ replicates
3. The sample is heated in an oven at __ Celsius for __ hours to dry.
4. The dried sample is set in a muffle furnace at __-__ Celsius until ____.
5. If repeats are necessitated (__ not achieved, some parts of sample are unevenly heated), moisten sample with __ __ and repeat step 4 and 3, moistening slightly in between repeats until sample is grayish white
6. Sample is taken out of oven and cooled in a __
7. Weight is taken and recorded
8. Ash content is computed
1) Porcelain dish
2) 3
3) - 105
- 3
4) - 500-600
- grayish white
5) - grayish white
- distilled water
6) desiccator
Method for the Determination of Moisture Content %:
1. Containers (dishes/pans) are weighed and heated to dry completely, then weighed again after drying
2. A solid sample is ground up fine and weighed into a covered dish, at least 3 replicates
3. The sample is heated in an oven to __-__ Celsius for __-__ hours, depending on the sample
4. Sample is taken out of oven and cooled in a desiccator
5. Weight is taken and recorded
6. Moisture content is computed
3) - 105-115
- 16-24
Ash content is computed with the equation:
Ash % = (x-c)/(s-c) * 100
S = weight of sample and container prior to ashing
C = weight of the container
X = weight of sample and container after ashing
S - C = weight of sample
S - X = weight of sample after ashing
Determination of Crude Protein % (Digestion) 1/2- Chemical equation
Protein + H2SO4 –> CO2 + SO2 + H2O + (NH4)2HSO4