Table of contents
- 1. Introduction to Genetics51m
- 2. Mendel's Laws of Inheritance3h 37m
- 3. Extensions to Mendelian Inheritance2h 41m
- 4. Genetic Mapping and Linkage2h 28m
- 5. Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses1h 21m
- 6. Chromosomal Variation1h 48m
- 7. DNA and Chromosome Structure56m
- 8. DNA Replication1h 10m
- 9. Mitosis and Meiosis1h 34m
- 10. Transcription1h 0m
- 11. Translation58m
- 12. Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes1h 19m
- 13. Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes44m
- 14. Genetic Control of Development44m
- 15. Genomes and Genomics1h 50m
- 16. Transposable Elements47m
- 17. Mutation, Repair, and Recombination1h 6m
- 18. Molecular Genetic Tools19m
- 19. Cancer Genetics29m
- 20. Quantitative Genetics1h 26m
- 21. Population Genetics50m
- 22. Evolutionary Genetics29m
18. Molecular Genetic Tools
Genetic Cloning
0:25 minutes
Problem 32b
Textbook Question
Textbook QuestionIn humans, congenital heart disease is a common birth defect that affects approximately 1 out of 125 live births. Using reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) Samir Zaidi and colleagues [(2013) Nature 498:220.223] determined that approximately 10 percent of the cases resulted from point mutations, often involving histone function. To capture products of gene expression in developing hearts, they used oligo(dT) in their reverse transcription protocol.
If one were interested in comparing the quantitative distribution of gene expression in say, the right and left side of a developing heart, how might one proceed using RT-PCR?
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Key Concepts
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Reverse Transcription PCR (RT-PCR)
RT-PCR is a laboratory technique used to convert RNA into complementary DNA (cDNA) using the enzyme reverse transcriptase. This process allows researchers to amplify specific RNA sequences, making it easier to study gene expression levels. In the context of comparing gene expression in different tissues, RT-PCR can quantify the amount of cDNA produced from RNA samples, providing insights into the relative expression of genes in those tissues.
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Gene Expression Analysis
Gene expression analysis involves measuring the activity of genes in a given cell or tissue type, which can reveal how genes are regulated and their functional roles. By comparing gene expression levels between the right and left sides of a developing heart, researchers can identify differences in gene activity that may contribute to the development of congenital heart disease. This analysis often employs quantitative methods, such as RT-PCR, to provide precise measurements of gene expression.
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Quantitative Comparison
Quantitative comparison in gene expression studies refers to the process of measuring and comparing the levels of specific mRNA transcripts between different samples. This can be achieved using techniques like RT-PCR, where the amount of amplified cDNA is quantified to determine expression levels. By establishing a baseline or control, researchers can assess how gene expression varies between the right and left sides of the heart, leading to insights into developmental processes and potential abnormalities.
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