The efficient delivery of therapeutic proteins or DNA into specific cells or tissues of an organism to correct a mutant gene is paramount to the success of any gene therapy procedure; and the inserted therapeutic DNA or desired gene must be continuously expressed in vivo at appropriate physiological level in order to correct the mutated […]
GENE THERAPY TARGETING AND DELIVERY Read More »
Gene Therapy Notes, Biotechnology, Molecular Microbiology
Gene therapy is an experimental discipline or research that uses functional gene (i.e. therapeutic DNA) to repair defective genes in genetic disease patients; and this growing field of molecular medicine is usually undertaken using modified nucleic acid molecules through a series of steps. Conventional medicine utilizes oral and parenteral drug administration as well as surgery
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Biotechnology, Gene Therapy Notes, Molecular Microbiology
The history of gene therapy techniques dates back to the early 1970s and 1980s when scientists (molecular biologists in particular) proposed the idea of using functional and therapeutic gene as medicines to treat genetic disorders in man. Though the idea received little support as at the time, gene therapy techniques is still in its experimental
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Biotechnology, Gene Therapy Notes, Molecular Microbiology
Genes in the DNA code for proteins; and it is the gene that directs the cell in what particular order to assemble the amino acids which eventually becomes the building blocks of protein molecules. The cell of an organism must use one nucleotide or more in the DNA to spell out or specify each of
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Biotechnology, Gene Therapy Notes, Molecular Microbiology
Genes are sections of the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) that codes for the synthesis of a specific protein sequence in a cell. A gene is generally the genetic unit or sequence on a chromosome which direct the synthesis of a particular protein sequence as wells as the characteristics of the synthesized protein molecule. When the trait
Blotting is used in molecular biology to transfer nucleic acids and proteins from gel to a membrane for identification and analysis. Developed in the 1970s, it combines electrophoresis and immunological methods. There are three main types: Southern (DNA), Northern (RNA), and Western (proteins), each allowing detection and measurement of specific molecules.
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Biotechnology, Molecular Microbiology, Techniques in Microbiology Lab
Western blotting technique or protein immunoblot is used to identify specific proteins separated according to their sizes in an electrophoresis experiment. Protein immunoblot unlike other blotting techniques (e.g. southern and northern blotting) utilizes specific antibodies to identify the protein of interest. It is the transfer of proteins from gel to a matrix or nitrocellulose membrane.
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Biotechnology, Molecular Microbiology
Northern blotting technique is used to detect specific sequences of ribonucleic acid (RNA). The protocol for performing northern blotting technique is similar to that of southern blotting technique. Northern blotting technique was first described by James Alwine and colleagues in 1977 as a molecular biology technique for identifying specific nucleotide sequence of a piece of
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Biotechnology, Molecular Microbiology
Southern blotting, developed by Sir Edward M. Southern in 1975, is a molecular technique used to detect specific DNA sequences. It involves transferring DNA from a gel to a nitrocellulose membrane, followed by hybridization with radiolabeled probes. This method is pivotal in DNA analysis, forensic science, and paternity testing.
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Biotechnology, Molecular Microbiology
Microorganisms must meet stringent criteria to be used as probiotics, including being non-pathogenic, non-toxic, and able to survive stomach acid and pancreatic secretions. Probiotics confer health benefits such as enhancing the immune system, producing vitamins, preventing GI infections, and aiding in lactose digestion, potentially treating conditions like IBS and eczema.
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Biotechnology, Food Microbiology