This unit describes some of the ways that a laboratory can deal with the constant threat of microbial contamination in cell cultures. A protocol on aseptic technique is described first. This catch-all term universally appears in any set of instructions pertaining to procedures in which noncontaminating conditions must be maintained. - [Read Aseptic Technique for Cell Culture Protocol]
In this protocol, sample and competitor RNAs are reverse transcribed (separately) in a pilot experiment. A constant amount of sample RT product is then combined with a 2-logserial dilution of competitor RT product for PCR. Procedure provides an approximate copy number for the sample, which is then fine-tuned by repeating the experiment with a series of twofold dilutions of competitor. The experiment includes controls for sample-to-sample variations in RT efficiency. - [Read Competitive RT-PCR: Estimation of Copy Number Protocol]
Protocol describing cytochrome oxidase manometric analysis. Protocol includes: Manometric Analysis and information on the the Gilson Constant Pressure Respirometer. - [Read Cytochrome Oxidase Manometric Analysis]
This protocol describes a method for constant-flow microinjection using the Pneumatic PicoPump (World Precision Instruments). This type of system is very simple and can be assembled on a relatively low budget. In this method, a constant flow of sample is delivered from the tip of the pipette, and the amount of sample injected into the cell is determined by how long the pipette remains in the cell. - [Read Gene Delivery by Direct Injection (Microinjection) Using a Controlled-Flow System Protocol]
This protocol describes a method for microinjecting proteins into the nucleus or cytoplasm of adherent cells. Microinjection equipment can be obtained from a number of suppliers; this protocol has been used with the Narishige IM-200 air pressure regulator and the Leitz micromanipulator. Using this system, it is possible to microinject a constant volume within a 50% difference among cells. - [Read Microinjection of Protein Samples Protocol]
Quantitative PCR involves co-amplification of two templates: a constant amount of a preparation containing the desired target sequence and serial dilutions of a reference template that is added in known amounts to a series of amplification reactions. The concentration of the target sequence is determined by simple interpolation into a standard curve. - [Read Quantitative PCR Protocol II]
This protocol describes the electroporation of the BMH 81-17 mut S strain that is recommended for tranformation of the site directed mutagenesis of dsDNA (See Protocol on Site-Directed Mutagenesis on Double Stranded DNA). BMH 81-17 mut S are a mismatch repair defective (mut S) Escherichia coli strain. The probability that the two mutations will cosegregate during the first round of DNA replication is increased in this strain.