Drawing Scientific Figures Flashcards
(22 cards)
Why is it important to draw scientific figures?
To convey detail without using valuable word count, account for differences in learning, and convey information quickly.
What is a Graphical Abstract?
A single image that summarises the ‘story’ of a piece of work, including aim, method, results, and conclusion.
What is the purpose of an Introductory figure?
To provide an overview of what is currently known in the field, often found in introduction sections.
What type of information does a Methods figure summarize?
The methodology used in a research project or study, often including layouts and protocols.
What does a Discussion figure represent?
It summarises findings from a paper in context with what is already known, proposing new pathways or mechanisms.
Fill in the blank: A picture is worth a _______.
[thousand words]
What are the main components of a Results figure?
Findings, data analysis, and often visual representations such as graphs or images.
What does the asterisk (*) indicate in a figure legend?
A significant difference (P < .05) as determined by statistical tests.
What platforms can be used for creating scientific figures?
- Biorender
- Inkscape
- The Noun Project
- GraphPad Prism
- GIMP
- ImageJ
- SPSS/Minitab
What should be included in a figure legend?
- Figure number
- Figure title
- Methods used (very brief)
- Samples analysed
- Number of repeats (n number)
- Error bars definition
- Statistical test(s) used
- Definition of p-values
- All abbreviations defined
True or False: Figures should only be used for aesthetic purposes.
False
What is the correct way to label graph axes?
Ensure they are labelled correctly and units, scale are clear and correct.
What is the aim of the experimental design mentioned?
To determine the effect of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) on expression of cyclin D1 in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).
Fill in the blank: Cyclin D1 was detected by _______.
[western blotting]
What is the significance of defining p-values in legends?
To provide context for the statistical significance of the results.
What are the general do’s when creating scientific figures?
- Use figures
- Refer to all figures in text
- Define all abbreviations
- Ensure figure and legend are standalone
- Use existing figures professionally
What should you avoid when creating scientific figures?
- Inserting irrelevant figures
- Hiding information in figure legends
- Plagiarizing others’ work
- Using the same figure more than once
What is a key characteristic of a Methods figure?
It can illustrate a dosing protocol or a flow diagram for meta-analysis studies.
What does ‘n = 4’ indicate in the context of experimental design?
The experiment was repeated four times.
What do the terms azacitidine and decitabine refer to?
Nucleoside analogs that integrate into RNA and DNA.
What is the role of cytidine deaminase (CDA) in the context of azacitidine?
It deaminates monophosphate analogs into uridine analogs.
What is the purpose of a meta-flowchart in a Methods figure?
To outline the statistical meta-analysis methodology.
