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 describes a method for estimation of mammalian cell number in a defined volume of medium using a hemocytometer. Automated methods using cell-counting devices such as those produced by Coulter are desirable when large numbers of individual samples are to be counted. - [Read Estimation of Cell Number by Hemocytometry Counting Protocol]
An in vitro red blood cell assay is presented which allows the estimation of the irritation potential of tensides and tenside containing materials such as shampoos, shower gels, cleaning products, etc. The estimation is based on the fact that surfactants interact strongly with cellular membranes and proteins. Both effects are measured photometrically by use of the inherent native dye, oxyhemoglobin. - [Read Red Blood Cell Test System Protocol]