Discover published sets by community

Purpose: To quantify virus particles in a sample. Description: The plaque assay involves diluting a virus sample, infecting a monolayer of host cells, and counting the resulting plaques (clear zones where the virus has lysed cells).

Purpose: To amplify specific DNA sequences for analysis. Description: PCR is a technique that uses thermal cycling, a heat-stable DNA polymerase, and specific primers to exponentially amplify a targeted DNA segment.

Purpose: To study the communication between microbial cells through chemical signals that facilitate coordinated behavior. Description: Quorum sensing assays measure the ability of microorganisms to detect and respond to signaling molecules as a function of cell density.

Purpose: To differentiate bacterial species into two large groups (Gram-positive and Gram-negative). Description: Gram staining involves adding a series of dyes to a bacterial culture. Bacteria that retain the crystal violet dye appear purple (Gram-positive); those that don't are counterstained with safranin and appear pink (Gram-negative).

Purpose: To detect and quantify proteins, such as antigens from pathogens or antibodies in a sample. Description: ELISA involves binding antigens to a surface, then using an enzyme-linked antibody that reacts with a substrate to produce a measurable signal.

Purpose: To detect specific proteins in a sample. Description: Western blot involves separating proteins by gel electrophoresis, transferring them onto a membrane, and using antibody binding to identify the target protein.

Purpose: To detect specific DNA sequences in a sample. Description: Southern blot involves transferring DNA fragments from a gel to a membrane and hybridizing them with a labeled complementary DNA probe to identify target sequences.

Purpose: To study the transfer of genetic material from one bacterium to another using a virus. Description: Transduction involves bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria) carrying host DNA from one bacterial cell to another.

Purpose: To analyze physical and chemical characteristics of cells or particles in a fluid as it passes through at least one laser. Description: Flow cytometry uses light scattering and emission of fluorochrome molecules to gather data on individual cells or particles.

Purpose: To separate DNA or RNA fragments by size. Description: Agarose gel electrophoresis uses an electric field to migrate charged nucleic acid fragments through an agarose matrix.

Purpose: To identify bacterial endospores in a sample. Description: Endospore staining uses a heat-fixed smear that is then stained with a green dye to visualize resistant bacterial endospores.

Purpose: To study the transfer of genetic material between bacterial cells. Description: Bacterial conjugation is a process of direct cell-to-cell transfer of DNA, typically via a pilus from a donor to a recipient cell.

Purpose: To detect acid-fast bacilli, like Mycobacterium species. Description: Acid-fast staining uses a dye that is retained by cells with a waxy mycolic acid layer in their cell walls, making them distinctive from non-acid-fast bacteria.

Purpose: To evaluate the ability of microbes to form biofilms on various surfaces. Description: This assay involves incubating microorganisms on a surface, staining the developed biofilms, and measuring stain retention as an indication of biofilm biomass.

Purpose: To describe the growth of bacteria over time. Description: A bacterial growth curve monitors the growth of a bacterial population by measuring optical density or viable cell counts at different time intervals.

Purpose: To detect specific RNA sequences in a sample. Description: Northern blot is similar to a Southern blot but for RNA. It involves gel electrophoresis of RNA, transfer to a membrane, and hybridization with a labeled probe.

Purpose: To introduce foreign DNA into a bacterial cell. Description: Transformation involves making bacteria competent to take up free, exterior DNA and integrate it into their genome or exist as a plasmid.

Purpose: To visually inspect cells and microorganisms. Description: Microscopy can be light-based or electron-based, and it allows for magnification and visualization of cells and microorganism structures that are otherwise invisible to the naked eye.

Purpose: To determine the sensitivity of bacteria to various antibiotics. Description: This technique involves culturing bacteria in the presence of antibiotic discs and measuring the zone of inhibition where bacteria cannot grow.