Experimental Techniques

Question 1

Cell Growth Studies

Answer 1

This technique involves looking at the the number of cells in different conditions. It does not discrimminate between live and dead cells.

Question 2

Transient Transfection Studies

Answer 2

In these studies the transcription from Na/K ATPase beta subunit promoter is evaluated, based on stated conditions. The cDNA of the beta subunit promoter is linked to a luciferase gene. Upon cell stimulation the transcription levels of the beta subunit can be measured by the amount of light given off by the luciferase gene. The light is captured in a machine called the scintillation counter that gives numerical values corresponding to the amount of emitted light.

Question 3

Western Blot Analysis

Answer 3

This method looks at the level of cellular proteins and their activation in response to cell stimulation by agonists, antagonists and signaling pathway inhibitors and activators.

Question 4

Cell Surface Biotinylation

Answer 4

This technique looks at the distribution of proteins, their activation and inhibition in polarized cell lines and polarized cell cultures.

Question 5

One way Anova

Answer 5

This is a method to compare two or more independent groups to see if there is evidence that the means of the associated population are statistically different.

Question 6

Radioimmunoassay

Answer 6

This is a technique using radiolabeled molecules to measure concentrations of substances usually antigens at minute levels. This technique is highly sensitive.