Lecture 11 : How we study cells

Question 1

How can we genetically manipulate cells?

Answer 1

• Extract genes
• Add genes

Reverse genetics - manipulate gene and study phenotype

Forward genetics - Have a phenotype and identify the gene / mutation that is causing it

RNA interference - Decrease expression of protein causing mRNA degradation

Question 2

dodgy set of flashcards

Question 3

Monoclonal vs Polyclonal antibodies

Answer 3

Monoclonal :
- Expensive
- Single antibody species
- More specific
- Infinite source of product

Polyclonal :
- Cheap
- Mix of antibody species
- Finite resource

Question 4

Immunofluorescence summary

Answer 4

• Primary antibody recognise proteins of interest
• A secondary antibody enables primary antibody to couple to a fluorescent marker
• Multiple features within same cell can be distinguished by antibody multiplexing
• Tagging protein with GFP enables live cell imaging and tracking of protein environment