Sourav Pan is the founder and sole author of Biology Notes Online. He holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree and an M.Sc. in Microbiology from the University of Calcutta. He creates educational resources covering microbiology, immunology, biotechnology, genetics, cell biology, botany, zoology, and other life-science subjects.
His goal is to make complex biological concepts easier to understand through well-structured, student-friendly articles based on academic textbooks, peer-reviewed research, and authoritative scientific sources. In addition to writing new content, he regularly reviews and updates articles to improve their accuracy, clarity, and educational value.
In many domains, including medicine, statistics, and machine learning, it is vital to comprehend the complexities of diagnostic tests and their outcomes. There are four key principles that come into play when assessing a diagnostic test’s efficacy: sensitivity, specificity, false positives, and false negatives. Confusion and incorrect interpretation of test results can result from the … Read more
What is Protein Synthesis? Protein synthesis is a fundamental biological process that occurs within cells, responsible for the formation of proteins through the assembly of amino acid chains, termed polypeptides. This process is pivotal to the central dogma of genetics and is instrumental in maintaining cellular function and structure. The process of protein synthesis can … Read more
Hybridization Probes Definition Hybridization probes are a small nucleotide sequence that is used for the detection of complementary sequences (DNA or RNA) in a nucleic acid sample. DNA Probes detects the complementary DNA with the help of a hybridization reaction. This is achieved by permitting the probes to base pair with the sample nucleic acid … Read more
What is cDNA cloning? Definition of Complementary DNA or cDNA Complementary DNA (cDNA) is a form of DNA synthesized from a messenger RNA (mRNA) template through the action of the enzyme reverse transcriptase. It represents the coding sequence of genes and is commonly used in gene cloning and expression studies. cDNA Cloning Definition cDNA cloning … Read more
In molecular biology and genetics, translation is the process in which ribosomes in the cytoplasm or endoplasmic reticulum synthesize proteins after the process of transcription of DNA to RNA in the cell’s nucleus. The entire process is called gene expression.
DNA is the full genetic information that determines the nature and function that an animal has. Proteins are made by the genetic code contained in DNA. Conversion of DNA encoded data to RNA is necessary to make proteins. So, in the majority of cells, genetic information is transferred from – DNA to RNA, and then to protein. The transfer of information is controlled by three different processes that help in the transfer of genetic information as well as its transformation into a different form:
What is Microprojectile Bombardment? Definition of Microprojectile Bombardment Microprojectile bombardment, also known as biolistics or gene gun delivery, is a method used to introduce foreign genetic material into cells or tissues by accelerating microscopic particles coated with the desired DNA, RNA, or proteins at high velocities, facilitating direct gene transfer. This technique is commonly employed … Read more
What is gene expression? Gene expression definition Gene expression is the process by which the genetic information encoded in a gene is used to produce a functional product, typically a protein or a specific RNA molecule. Stages in Gene Expression 1. Transcription 2. Translation What is gene expression profiling? Methods or Steps of gene expression … Read more
What is Restriction Enzyme (Restriction Endonuclease)? Definition of Restriction Enzyme (Restriction Endonuclease) A restriction enzyme, also known as a restriction endonuclease, is an enzyme that cuts DNA at specific recognition sites, called restriction sites. It is primarily found in bacteria and archaea and serves as a defense mechanism against invading viruses. Restriction enzymes are commonly … Read more
Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) is a highly effective genotyping technique used for the separation and analysis of large DNA molecules, such as entire genomic DNA. It involves digesting the DNA with specific restriction enzymes and applying it to a gel matrix under an electric field that periodically changes direction. PFGE is a modified version … Read more