Molecular Characterization
Molecular Characterization - Related Videos
13:56
Characterization of Molecular Mechanisms of In vivo UVR Induced Cataract
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Cited by 4 •
2012
Cataract is the leading cause of blindness in the world. Solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is the main risk factor for cataract development. An animal model of far UVR-B induced cataract was developed. In this article we describe methods for investigation of cataract formation: exposure to UVR, quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry.
09:55
Molecular Cloning
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2023
Molecular cloning is a set of methods, which are used to insert recombinant DNA into a vector - a carrier of DNA molecules that will replicate recombinant DNA fragments in host organisms. The DNA fragment, which may be a gene, can be isolated from a prokaryotic or eukaryotic specimen. Following isolation of the fragment of interest, or insert, both the vector and insert must be cut with restriction enzymes and purified. The purified pieces are joined together though a technique called...
06:54
MR Molecular Imaging of Prostate Cancer with a Small Molecular CLT1 Peptide Targeted Contrast Agent
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Cited by 3 •
2013
To demonstrate MR cancer molecular imaging with a small peptide targeted MRI contrast agent specific to clotted plasma proteins in tumor stroma in a mouse prostate cancer model.
11:23
Characterization at the Molecular Level using Robust Biochemical Approaches of a New Kinase Protein
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Cited by 2 •
2019
We characterized a new kinase protein using robust biochemical approaches: Western Blot analysis with a dedicated specific antibody on different cell lines and tissues, interactions by coimmunoprecipitation experiments, kinase activity detected by Western Blot using a phospho-specific antibody and by γ[32P] ATP labeling.
11:09
Characterizing the Composition of Molecular Motors on Moving Axonal Cargo Using "Cargo Mapping" Analysis
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Cited by 8 •
2014
Intracellular transport of cargoes, such as vesicles or organelles, is carried out by molecular motor proteins that track on polarized microtubules. This protocol describes the correlation of the directionality of transport of individual cargo particles moving inside neurons, to the relative amount and type of associated motor proteins.
FAQs
Molecular characterization becomes informative when sequence, abundance, chemical properties, and binding behavior are examined in relation to one another. Sequencing and PCR can address nucleic-acid sequence or detection, while mass spectrometry and spectroscopy contribute measurements of molecular composition or properties. Matching the method to the biological question helps distinguish genetic variation from changes in molecular abundance or activity.
DNA measurements can reveal sequence differences, whereas RNA, protein, and metabolite measurements can indicate which biological pathways are active or altered. Comparing these molecular layers helps connect an underlying genetic change with its effects on cellular processes. This distinction is useful when a study needs to separate inherited or acquired variation from changes in biological state.
Binding behavior shows how molecules interact rather than only how much of each molecule is present. Measuring these interactions can help identify molecular associations that define a biological sample or process and can reveal how changes affect function. This information is especially relevant when studying biological mechanisms in which molecular recognition or interaction influences pathway activity or disease-associated changes.
A typical workflow begins by selecting a biological sample and isolating or detecting the molecules relevant to the research question. The material is then examined for sequence, abundance, chemical properties, or binding behavior using an appropriate analytical method. Interpreting these measurements together can reveal genetic variation, molecular states, pathway activity, or other features of the sample.
Method selection depends on which molecular feature requires measurement. Sequencing is suited to examining sequence information, while PCR can support detection of nucleic-acid targets. Mass spectrometry and spectroscopy provide complementary information about molecular composition or chemical properties. Using one method or combining several allows the analysis to match the question rather than treating all molecular measurements as interchangeable.
Molecular characterization supports organism identification, biomarker discovery, diagnostics, drug development, and investigations of disease-associated molecular changes. It can also help researchers examine pathway activity and cell states by comparing molecular measurements across biological samples or processes. These applications make molecular data useful for linking measurable molecular differences with broader biological function.