Glossary Term
A volatile liquid prepared by fermentation of certain carbohydrates. Alcohol acts as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, a diuretic, and a disinfectant. Although the exact mechanism of CNS depression is unknown, alcohol may act by inhibiting the opening of calcium channels, mediated by the binding of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) to GABA-A receptors, or through inhibitory actions at N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-type glutamate receptors. Alcohol inhibits the production of antidiuretic hormone, thereby producing diuresis that may lead to dehydration. This agent kills organisms by denaturing their proteins.
Extraction Methodology
Glossary Term
A specific sequence of three adjacent bases on a strand of DNA or RNA that provides genetic code information for a particular amino acid.
Pcr Terms
Glossary Term
A sequence pattern derived from the alignment of multiple sequences that represents the nucleotide or amino acid most likely to occur at each position in a sequence.
Pcr Terms
Glossary Term
Any method that extracts and purifies DNA from biological samples, which can include the proper handling of biological samples prior to nucleic acid isolation, the separation of DNA from the rest of the components in the samples, and the storage of the DNA isolates.
Extraction Methodology
Glossary Term
A class of RNA molecule containing protein-coding information in its nucleotide sequence that can be translated into the amino acid sequence of a protein.
Pcr Terms
Glossary Term
A sequence of single-stranded RNA, that is 20-25 nucleotides in length, which is transcribed from DNA but is not translated into a protein. This nucleic acid may regulate the transcription or translation of other genes.
Pcr Terms
Glossary Term
A point mutation occurring within the protein-coding region of a gene, and which codes for a different amino acid than expected.
Pcr Terms
Glossary Term
A reaction that contains all reagents except sample nucleic acid. Amplification in the NTC signals contamination of reagents or the environment, so NTC behavior is one of the first run-validity checks in any qPCR run log.
Pcr Terms
Glossary Term
Any of various amplification and detection strategies applied to detection of virus contamination in donor blood. Specifically designed to detect recently infected individuals during the latency period before seroconversion.
Pcr Terms
Glossary Term
The sample-preparation stage that lyses cells or virions and purifies DNA/RNA before amplification. Extraction quality (yield, purity, inhibitors removed) often limits assay performance more than the PCR itself, and it defines required instruments and hands-on time in a workflow.
Extraction Methodology
Glossary Term
Laboratory procedure in which single stranded nucleic acids are allowed to interact so that complexes, or hybrids, are formed by molecules with sufficiently similar, complementary sequences. By this means the degree of sequence identity can be assessed and specific sequences detected. (From Biology-online)
Pcr Terms
Glossary Term
Chemicals that are added to drug products to prolong shelf life and maintain sterility. Protection of formulations, especially aqueous solutions, against microbial growth requires use of either antibacterial or antifungal preservatives. Generally, such agents are active against either bacteria or fungi but a few are active against both. The antimicrobials include but not limited to chlorobutanol, benzyl alcohol, sodium benzoate, sorbic acid, and phenol. The antioxidizing agents include butylated hydroxytoluene, hydroxyanisole, propyl gallate, and sulfites. The necessary addition of preservatives for both safety and economy sometimes has been associated with significant adverse effects in certain patient populations.
Pcr Terms
